Pap Test: What Affects The Test
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What Affects the Test
Pap test results may be affected by:
- Menstrual blood on the slide. This can make it harder to examine the cervical cells.
- A vaginal infection.
- The use of douches or vaginal creams or preparations within 24 hours of the exam.
- Not enough cells in the sample.
| Last updated: | August 14, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS |
| Reviewed By: | Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine, Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer |
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