The cervicovaginal smear is a test for the detection of premalignant, cellular changes, which are precursors to carcinoma of the cervix. The conventional pap smear, when used as part of a regular screening program has been credited with reducing the incidence of cervical cancer worldwide.
The Thin-Prep pap test has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a replacement for the conventional pap smear and is endorsed by the College of American Pathologists as a method to improve the accuracy of pap examinations. The Thin Prep pap test improves detection of low-grade and more severe lesions. By improving detection, disease can be identified at an earlier stage when it is more easily and cost-effectively treated.