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  1. UAMS Health
  2. Treatments & Procedures
  3. Pap Smear

Treatment/Procedure: Pap Smear

Also called: Pap Test

A Pap test is a procedure to collect cells from the surface of the cervix and vagina. A piece of cotton, a brush or a small wooden stick is used to gently scrape cells from the cervix and vagina. The cells are viewed under a microscope to find out if they are abnormal. This procedure is also called a Pap smear.

How Often Should You Be Screened?

Every woman’s situation is unique. You should talk with your doctor about when to start screening and how often to be screened.

However, in August 2018, updated screening guidelines were released by the United States Preventive Services Task Force. The updated guidelines are as follows:

  • Women ages 21 through 29 should be screened with a Pap test every 3 years
  • Women ages 30 through 65 should be screened with any of three tests:
    • Every 5 years with high-risk HPV testing alone
    • Every 5 years with Pap and high-risk HPV cotesting
    • Every 3 years with a Pap test alone

It is important to remember that your doctor does not necessarily think you have cancer if they suggest a screening test. Screening tests are standard, and are given even when you have no cancer symptoms.

If a screening test result is abnormal, you may need to have more tests done to find out if you have cancer. These are called diagnostic tests.

Why a Pap smear (or Pap test) is Important

Regular screening for cervical cancer using the Pap test has decreased the number of new cases of cervical cancer and the number of deaths due to cervical cancer since 1950.

Cervical dysplasia (the abnormal growth of cells on the surface of the cervix) occurs more often in women who are in their 20s and 30s. Death from cervical cancer is rare in women younger than 30 years and in women of any age who have regular screenings with the Pap test.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the major risk factor for cervical cancer.

Although most women with cervical cancer have the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, not all women with an HPV infection will develop cervical cancer. Many different types of HPV can affect the cervix and only some of them cause abnormal cells that may become cancer. Some HPV infections go away without treatment.

HPV infections are spread mainly through sexual contact. Women who become sexually active at a young age and have many sexual partners are at increased risk for HPV infections.

Other risk factors for cervical cancer include:

  • Giving birth to many children.
  • Smoking cigarettes.
  • Having a weakened immune system.

Again, you should talk with your doctor about when to start screening and how often to be screened.

Contents

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  • Locations
  • Areas of Expertise
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Providers Performing Pap Smear

Note that every provider listed below may not perform or prescribe Pap Smear for all conditions related to it. Review each provider for availability.

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William W.  'Sam' Greenfield, M.D.

William W. "Sam" Greenfield, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

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Melissa S. Helmich, M.D.

Melissa S. Helmich, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

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Laura L. Hollenbach, M.D.

Laura L. Hollenbach, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

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Tesa L. Ivey, CNP

Tesa L. Ivey, CNP Obstetrics and Gynecology Nurse Practitioner

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Ashley Brooke Keathley, CNP

Ashley Brooke Keathley, CNP Obstetrics and Gynecology Nurse Practitioner

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Nirvana A. Manning, M.D.

Nirvana A. Manning, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

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Renee P. McGraw, M.D.

Renee P. McGraw, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

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Amy M. Phillips, M.D.

Amy M. Phillips, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

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Mary Luann Racher, M.D.

Mary Luann Racher, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

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Gloria A. Richard-Davis, M.D.

Gloria A. Richard-Davis, M.D. Reproductive Endocrinology Obstetrician/Gynecologist

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Dora Mah Smith, M.D.

Dora Mah Smith, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

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Michael V. Smith, M.D.

Michael V. Smith, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

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Kathryn C. Stambough, M.D.

Kathryn C. Stambough, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

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Lindsey B. Sward, M.D.

Lindsey B. Sward, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

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Chad B. Taylor, M.D.

Chad B. Taylor, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

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Alexis  C. White, M.D.

Alexis C. White, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

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Locations Providing Pap Smear

Note that Pap Smear may not be performed at every location listed below. The list may include locations where the treatment plan is developed during and after a patient visit.

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UAMS Northwest exterior (FMC sign)

Family Medical Center in Fayetteville

1125 N. College Ave.
Fayetteville, AR 72703

Appointment Phone Number
479-521-8260
New and Returning Patients
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UAMS Family Medical Center, East

Family Medical Center in Helena

1393 Highway 242 South
Helena, AR 72342

Appointment Phone Number
870-572-6507
New and Returning Patients
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UAMS Northeast building exterior

Family Medical Center in Jonesboro

311 E. Matthews St.
Jonesboro, AR 72401

Appointment Phone Number
870-972-0063
New and Returning Patients
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Family Medical Center - Magnolia

Family Medical Center in Magnolia

1617 N. Washington St.
Magnolia, AR 71753

Appointment Phone Number
870-234-7676
New and Returning Patients
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NW Hospital exterior

Family Medical Center in Springdale

601 W. Maple Ave.
Suite 102
Springdale, AR 72764

Appointment Phone Number
479-750-6585
New and Returning Patients
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exterior of North Street Clinic

Neighborhood Clinic in Fayetteville

1125 N. College Ave.
Fayetteville, AR 72703

Appointment Phone Number
479-713-8701
New and Returning Patients
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Women's Center

Women’s Center

6119 Midtown Ave.
Little Rock, AR 72205

Appointment Phone Number
501-526-1050
New and Returning Patients
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Areas of Expertise for Pap Smear

Gynecology (Part of Women's Health)

At UAMS Health, our gynecologists are highly trained to provide the best in medical treatment for every stage of a woman's life.

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Image of a pregnant woman lying down on a hospital bed and talking to a doctor.

Women’s Health

UAMS Health is dedicated to continuing to improve women’s health services throughout the state, and we have all the services you need to …

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Make an Appointment

Request an appointment by contacting a clinic directly or by calling the UAMS Health appointment line at (501) 686-8000.

UAMS Health LogoUAMS HealthUniversity of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Mailing Address: 4301 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: (501) 686-7000
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