Pap Test

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This article was last updated on 8/14/2007.		Printer-Friendly Printer-Friendly

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, ELSLast Updated: August 14, 2007
Medical Review: Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine
Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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