The Papanicolaou (Pap) smear is a test used to detect pre-cancerous and cancerous changes in the uterine cervix. As a medical assistant in a doctor's office, you may be asked to assist the doctor with Pap smears which are often combined with breast examinations as part of regular health screening. This module teaches you how to prepare for and assist with a routine breast examination and Pap smear. Including both Learn and Test modes, the online simulator offers two scenarios that test your ability to assist with this type of routine examination. You will be required to set up the equipment and hand the doctor the appropriate instruments for either a slide-based or a ThinPrep container Pap smear test. Practice the steps of the procedures online as often as you want, until you feel confident. This module is based on the entry-level competencies for which the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) test the Medical Assistant.
You’ll learn
- relevant medical terminology
- correct pre-procedure and post-procedure considerations
- to visualize the anatomy of the female internal genitalia and the breast, with our anatomical illustrations and 3D model
- how to perform equipment set-up for a Pap smear test
- the correct specimen preparation and labeling for a Pap smear test
- to practice and perfect your skills in how to prepare for, and assist the doctor with a breast examination and Pap smear; including patient positioning, correct handling of instruments, and the appropriate transfer and fixing techniques for specimen samples for both slide- and liquid-based tests.
- correct recording and reporting procedures
- (see Content Details for more specific information)
