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what do they test for in a pap smear?


Sent to Health Experts December 13, 2007 1:49 p.m.
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Female, Age: 31, Michigan
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December 13, 2007 1:53 p.m. (4 minutes and 2 seconds later) 		ACCEPTED Check Mark
The Pap smear examines the cells from the cervix for changes that signify early pre-malignant (pre-cancerous) changes. It can also be used to screen for HPV infection, which we now now is associated with most of those changes.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003911.htm

Edited by Family Physician on December 13 2007 at 1:54pm

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Sent December 13, 2007 1:55 p.m. (2 minutes and 13 seconds later)
Would a sexually transmitted ihnfection such as chlamydia or gonorea produce an abnormal pap smear?
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December 13, 2007 2:04 p.m. (8 minutes and 55 seconds later) 		ACCEPTED Check Mark
While they may produce some changes on a Pap smear (primarily inflammatory changes), these changes are very non-specific and can be found in non-sexually transmitted infections as well. More importantly - a normal Pap smear does NOT rule out a STD.

To test for STD, specific tests or cultures need to be taken. A Pap smear is not a reliable method to screen for STD.

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PictureFamily Physician  -- Doctor (MD) -- 99% Positive Feedback on 3694 Health Accepts
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Sent December 13, 2007 2:08 p.m. (4 minutes and 19 seconds later)
Ok, thank you!
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December 13, 2007 2:27 p.m. (19 minutes and 8 seconds later)
You welcome. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you in the future.

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PictureFamily Physician  -- Doctor (MD) -- 99% Positive Feedback on 3694 Health Accepts
Physician with 22 years experience in Emergency Medicine / Family Medicine

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