Colposcopy

Colposcopy is a test to look at the vagina and cervix through a lighted magnifying tool (colposcope).

The colposcope magnifies the view 2 to 60 times so the doctor can see any problems that would be missed by the naked eye. A camera can be hooked to the colposcope to take pictures or videos of the vagina and cervix for a permanent record.

The doctor may put vinegar (acetic acid) and sometimes iodine (Lugol's solution) on the vagina and cervix with a swab or cotton balls to see areas of abnormal cells more clearly. Samples of the abnormal cells (biopsies) can be collected and looked at under a microscope.

 
 

PeaceHealth endeavors to provide comprehensive health care information, however some topics in this database describe services and procedures not offered by our providers or within our facilities because they do not comply with, nor are they condoned by, the ethics policies of our organization.

Health Information Library