Health Information
Pap Test
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.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference May 4, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
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