Nurse performing a cervical smear test. The nurse is seen holding a cyto-brush and spreading a thin film of cellular material scraped from the patient

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Nurse performing a cervical smear test. The nurse is seen holding a cyto-brush and spreading a thin film of cellular material scraped from the patient's cervix (the neck of the womb) onto a glass slide. A speculum (not seen here) is used to hold open the vagina, while the cyto-brush is used to collect cell specimens from the surface of the cervix. The specimen slide will then be sent to a laboratory where it will be examined for the presence of abnormal cells which may indicate a developing cervical cancer. This is a routine test conducted on women. Early detection of cervical abnormalities or disease gives a better chance of a cure.

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Size: 3686px × 2556px
Photo credit: © HATTIE YOUNG/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: brush, cancer, cervical, cervix, cyto-brush, endocervical, examination, gynaecological, gynaecology, gynecology, healthcare, medical, medicine, pap, procedure, smear, test, treatment, vaginal