New Pap Test Guidelines - October 2011

Screening Initiation - Age 20
All women should start screening at age 20 years. For women under 20 years of age, a sexual health visit with the health care provider is recommended. Women who have received the HPV vaccine should follow the same routine screening.

Routine Screening - Age 20 – 69 years Screen annually until there are 3 consecutive negative Pap tests. Then extend interval to every three years.
These recommendations do not apply to women with previous abnormal Pap Tests.

Screening Cessation - Age 70 years
Screening may discontinue for women age 70 years or more, if there are 3 negative Pap tests within the last 10 years and no history of abnormal Pap tests. For women with little or no screening history, they should have three consecutive normal tests before stopping screening.

Annual Screening
Women with previous history of abnormal Pap tests > ASCUS. Women who are immune compromised, HIV positive, or have DES exposure in utero.