VAGINAL SMEAR Meaning and
Definition
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A vaginal smear refers to a medical procedure in which a sample of cells is collected from the vagina for microscopic examination. This procedure is typically performed by a healthcare professional, usually a gynecologist or a nurse, as part of a routine gynecological examination or to investigate certain medical conditions.
During a vaginal smear, a healthcare provider inserts a sterilized swab or brush into the vagina to gently collect cells from the walls of the vagina and the cervix. The collected cells are then spread onto a glass slide or placed in a liquid medium to preserve them for further examination.
The purpose of a vaginal smear is to assess the health of the vaginal and cervical tissues, diagnose infections, detect abnormal cells, and evaluate hormonal changes. It is commonly used to screen for cervical cancer, as abnormal cervical cells can be indicative of the disease. Additionally, a vaginal smear can provide information about the presence of sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhea or chlamydia.
The collected sample is sent to a laboratory, where it is examined under a microscope by a pathologist or cytotechnologist. They analyze the cells for any abnormalities, such as inflammation, bacterial or fungal infections, or pre-cancerous or cancerous cells. The results of the vaginal smear help guide further diagnostic tests or determine appropriate treatment if necessary.
Common Misspellings for VAGINAL SMEAR
- caginal smear
- baginal smear
- gaginal smear
- faginal smear
- vzginal smear
- vsginal smear
- vwginal smear
- vqginal smear
- vafinal smear
- vavinal smear
- vabinal smear
- vahinal smear
- vayinal smear
- vatinal smear
- vagunal smear
- vagjnal smear
- vagknal smear
- vagonal smear
- vag9nal smear
- vag8nal smear
Etymology of VAGINAL SMEAR
The term "vaginal smear" can be broken down into two parts: "vaginal" and "smear".
- Vaginal: The word "vaginal" is derived from the Latin term "vagina", which means "sheath" or "scabbard". In medical terminology, it refers to the anatomical structure of the female reproductive system, specifically the canal leading from the uterus to the external genitalia.
- Smear: The word "smear" originated from Old English "smyrian" or "smirian", which meant "to rub, smear, or daub". It is related to the Old High German word "smero", meaning "fat" or "grease". Over time, "smear" came to be associated with spreading or applying something in a thin and uneven layer.
