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 examination.
• Not enough cells in the sample.

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS Ralph Poore	Last Updated: November 23, 2007
Medical Review:	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.