The Papanicolaou (Pap) smear is the technique used to screen for abnormalities in cervical cells that may be related to cervical cancer and other problems. A number of research groups have reported results that indicate the infrared or NIR spectroscopy can be used to differentiate between samples of normal cervical cells and abnormal cells.

In this paper we will describe studies performed on cervical cell samples with an infrared microscope and a motorized x-y stage. This configuration allowed us to “Map” the sample in 100 micron increments, where an infrared spectrum is acquired at each point. This integrated system also allowed chemometric algorithms developed with the Nicolet TQ Analyst software to be automatically applied to the spectral data. Samples of cervical cells were obtained from patients using the standard procedure. Part of the sample was used to prepare the Pap smear slide and the remainder was placed in a saline solution and centrifuged for several minutes. The cell suspension was then applied to a Barium Fluoride 5mm X 5mm window and dried.