Cervical acid phosphatase-papanicolaou (CAP-PAP) test

The high proportion of false negative results in cervical cancer screening and the lack of an inexpensive and rapid method for rescreening cervical sm ears led us to search for a way to maximize the detection of false negative cases. We describe a simple, rapid, and inexpensive procedure, the cervica l acid phosphatase-Papanicolaou test (CAP-PAP test), that can alleviate the problem of false negatives. For research purposes, CAP-PAP test is immedia tely applicable in all laboratories currently doing the standard PAP test. It does not require special training for screeners or purchasing of additio nal expensive instruments. Additional cost per test is less than $1.00. The CAP-PAP test is compatible with automation.