New Pap Testing Methods

While the standard Pap test is very good at detecting problems, new methods are being developed to improve the accuracy of Pap tests. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several new methods to help reduce false negative Pap test results. One is called the Thin-Prep Pap test, where cervical cells are placed in a different way on the microscope slide than with the standard Pap test. This may make it easier to detect abnormal cells. Other methods use computers to scan the cervical cells to look for abnormal cells. Two computer "rescreening" methods have been approved by the FDA - PAPNET and the AutoPap 300 QC. These new methods cost more than the standard Pap test and are not covered by all health insurance. Research is being done to find out if they are in fact more accurate than the standard Pap test.