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Chap. 3.3 Pap Test (of Chap. 3: Methods and Techniques of Cervical Screening) by Ulrich Schenck (ulrich@schenck.de), 11 pages 3.3.0 Executive Summary This part of the guideline will give an explanation of cervical cytology. It? is a general?introduction to explain cytology as a method with its principles, advantages and shortcomings. The content of the chapter 3.3 is?organised as follows:? Introduction to Cervical Cytology Historical Background Principles of the cytological method Reading a Cervical smear Screening Technique and Localisation Cell analysis: Interpretation The cytological report Clinical application of cervical cytology Use of cervical Cytology for primary screening Use of Cytology in the follow up of lesions or after Therapy Use of Cytology after Reports of Abnormal Cytology (Triaging) Variants of cervical cytology Automation in cytology Liquid based cytology Since cervical cytology is at present generally the recommended method of cervical cancer screening aspects of cytology will be dealt with throughout this guideline. For this reason this chapter is closely linked to the other chapters and appendices: Appendix on reporting in cytology,? Liquid based cytology, Automated cervical cytology, Comparison of methods, Management of patients with abnormal cytology, training and proficiency testing.? 3.3.1 Introduction to Cervical Cytology Cytology can be defined as the science of cells. In the clinical medical context this is generally understood as cytology applied for diagnostic medical purposes. So synonyms are applied cytology, diagnostic cytology, clinical cytology, ?and cytopathology. The latter indicates, that cytology is used to recognise disease, where pathology is the science of disease. For this chapter the term cervical cytology is preferred to other terms like?vaginal cytology, gynaecologic cytology,?Pap test, and Pap smear. The preference for cervical cytology also?indicates that the test is largely used as the standard s