Limitations of Procedure:

• No implements for pap smear collection allow a 100% cancer detection rate.
• Detection may be impeded by hyperkeratosis, parakeratosis, polyps, necrosis and normal epithelium covering the lesion, as well as, excessive blood, inflammatory exudates, bacteria, or other limiting conditions that might obscure cellular details.
• All specimen requirements must be met.
• According to one reference source, approximately 70% of false negative smears are due to faulty smear taking (collection) technique.

Quick Links: Hormonal Evaluation Limitations of Procedure PAP Smear - Conventional Method PAP Smear Thin Prep Reporting Results Test Information Gynecological Samples (PAP Smear)

• Pap smears only occasionally detect endometrial cancers and rarely detect ovarian malignancies.