Also called Papanicolaou test, Pap smear is a screening test for cervical cancer that can be performed during a routine gynecologic examination. It involves taking a smear from the cervix (mouth of the womb) with a small brush and a spatula to collect cells that are sent to the lab for analysis. The pap smear is a painless procedure that does not require anesthesia. It is not a screening test for either ovarian or endometrial cancer.