for the purpose of the USMLE Step 2 CK, what are the guidelines for pap smears? The answer given for one of the questions in the self-assessment is a little different than the guidelines here in Canada.

Paps for healthy women start at the age of 21 regardless of sexual activity, every 3 years until the age 30. From 30-65 years of age patients can either A) get paps every 3 years or B) pap smear every 5 years if they choose to get HPV testing as well. Only patients who are immune compromised (HIV,SLE, Organ transplant recipients...etc) should get a pap smear in the first year of sexual intercourse ( 2x's in the first year; in other words every 6 months). From then on, every year.

As far as I'm concerned, I'm following the US services preventative task force guidelines which you can find online. Best of luck.

thanks!