Newer Pap Smear Option
Pap smears are performed in an attempt to identify pre-cancer and cancer cells of the cervix. Research has confirmed the main cause of cervical cancer to be some strains of HPV (Human Papillomavirus), a common sexually transmitted infection also known as the genital wart virus.
Thin Prep is a newer method of collection and preparation so that cells from your cervix may be interpreted more easily and accurately than with the standard technique.
The standard technique involves placing cells from your cervix on to a slide where potentially some cells could be obscured from view by cell clumping, vaginal mucus or blood.
The newer method involves placing the cervical sample into a vial of solution that dissolves mucus and blood. This fluid-based technique is thought to allow individual cells to be visualized more clearly.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recently concluded that evidence at this time is insufficient to recommend for or against the routine use of this new technology to screen for cervical cancer.
The UWSP Student Health Service offers you this information in an effort to keep you informed of new trends in women’s health.
Please feel free to discuss this option with your health care provider at your upcoming appointment.
The Thin Prep user fee cost to UWSP students is $32.50. This charge covers the difference in cost that the Health Service pays to the laboratory that performs both types of PAP smears. This fee can be billed to your UWSP account.
There is no user fee to UWSP students for the standard PAP technique. The Health Service covers cost of this test out of the prepaid health fee that students pay.