In gynecology, the Papanikolaou test or Papanicolaou test (also calle Pap smear, Pap test, cervical smear, or smear test) is a medical screening method, invented independently by Aurel Babeş and Georgios Papanikolaou, primarily designed to detect premalignant and malignant processes in the ectocervix. It may also detect infections and abnormalities in the endocervix and endometrium.