The Pap test, also called the Pap smear, is a cervical cancer screening test. This test can find abnormal cells in the cervix that may turn into cancer if they're not treated. During the test, the doctor or nurse uses a plastic or metal instrument, called a speculum, to widen the vagina. This helps the doctor or nurse examine the vagina and the cervix, and collect a few cells and mucus from the cervix and the area around it. These cells are placed on a slide and sent to a laboratory to be checked for abnormal cells.