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A member asked:

Are the results of a pap smear restricted only to the genital area, or can they present signs of a virus elsewhere in the body?

2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

A PAP smear: is a screening exam for cervical cancer, period. The HPV test is usually done separately - tests for HIGH RISK infection/colonization of certain strains of hpv virus in the vaginal canal and cervix - where it can do most harm

Answered 8/7/2015

4.1k views

Thank
Dr. Julianna Bojta answered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Genital area: PAP smear checks the cells of your cervix only.

Answered 5/21/2014

4.1k views

Thank

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