Smearnäyte

A smearnäyte, often translated as a smear sample or smear test, is a diagnostic method used in medicine to examine cells from various parts of the body. This technique involves spreading a small sample of cells onto a glass slide, typically thinly and evenly, to create a "smear." The slide is then usually fixed and stained to highlight cellular structures, making them more visible under a microscope.

Smearnäyte is widely employed for screening and diagnosis of different conditions. One of the most common applications is the Pap smear (Papanicolaou test), which screens for cervical cancer by examining cells collected from the cervix. Other uses include examining cells from the mouth, throat, respiratory tract, or skin for infections, inflammation, or cancerous changes. The preparation of a smearnäyte is a relatively simple and quick procedure, often performed in a doctor's office. The collected sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis by a pathologist or cytotechnologist. Microscopic examination of the smear allows for the identification of abnormal cells, infection-causing organisms, or other pathological findings, aiding in timely diagnosis and treatment.