The primary purpose of the pap test is to check for abnormal precancerous changes in the cervical cells. These changes are called cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, or CIN, can be detected by a Pap test. Abnormal cells can develop into cervical cancer if CIN is not discovered and treated. In some rare cases the Pap test can also find cancer early.

Some other things that the pap test can sometimes identify are:

• Certain viral infections of the cervix, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) and herpes.
• Vaginal infections such as yeast infections or trichomonas
• Hormonal information especially your progesterone and estrogen.