Pap Test

Cervical Smear

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.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: August 14, 2007
Medical Review:	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
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