Current Pap Smear Screening Guidelines are endorsed by the following organizations: American Cancer Society (ACS), American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP), United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), American College of Obstetrics Gynecology (ACOG).
Definitions:
Pap smear– test that collects cells from the surface of your cervix and inside its opening. These cells are evaluated by a pathologist under a microscope for abnormalities.
High Risk Human Papilloma Virus (HR-HPV) Testing– test that determines the presence of one or more strains of HR-HPV which increase a woman’s risk of cervical cancer.
Co-testing– Collection of Pap Smear and HR-HPV at the same office visit.
Reflex HR-HPV testing– HR-HPV testing performed on an abnormal pap smear result.
Under age 21 Recommendations:
– No pap smear
– No HR-HPV testing
– No Co Testing for pap and HR-HPV
– No HR-HPV Reflex testing on abnormal pap smears
Age 21-29 Recommendations:
– Pap smear every 3 years
– No HR-HPV testing
– No Co-testing for pap and HR-HPV
– Reflex testing for HR-HPV on abnormal pap smears acceptable
– Exceptions are based on patient history and clinical judgement
Age 30-65 Recommendations:
– Co-testing for pap and HR-HPV every 5 years or
– Pap smear with Reflex HR-HPV typing every 3 years
– Exceptions are based on patient history and clinical judgement
Over age 65 Recommendations:
– May stop pap smears and co-testing after 3 consecutive normal paps or 2 consecutive co-testing in last 10 years
– Exceptions are based on patient history and clinical judgement