Abnormal Pap Test Causes

Overview

The pap smear is a laboratory test that's used to analyze a sample of cervical cells to check for abnormalities. Several abnormal pap test causes can cause concern. If a repeat pap test shows the same abnormalities, other diagnostic testing may be done to determine the cause of cervical changes.

Viruses

Viruses that are transmitted by sexual contact can cause the results of a pap smear to be abnormal. Herpes is a virus that is spread through sexual contact and stays in the body for long periods. The virus causes blisters to form on the genitals, which break and leave sores in their place. Because it can remain in the body for a long time, herpes can cause cellular changes to the cervix. These changes cause an abnormal pap smear result. Human papillomavirus is cited by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists as a major cause for abnormal pap smears. This virus is transmitted through sexual contact and can cause warts to develop on the genitals. Although some women can quickly clear this virus from their bodies, others are unable to. The continued presence of the virus can lead to changes in the cervix, causing an abnormal pap test result.

Parasites

Parasitic infections can also be responsible for an abnormal pap test result. The parasite Trichomonas vaginalis causes trichomoniasis, one of the most common curable STDs that affect women. This parasite causes irritation of the cervix and may also produce a vaginal discharge that is yellow-green in color. These cervical changes can alter the results of a pap test so that the result is considered abnormal.

Laboratory Error

Laboratory errors can cause abnormal pap test results if the errors cause sample contamination or degradation. Because pap test samples usually have to travel from a doctor's office to a laboratory, there are many ways in which a sample can become damaged. If the sample is not packaged properly, it could be exposed to heat and moisture. If someone drops the sample or handles it roughly, it could become contaminated and cause a laboratory professional to see abnormal results.

Cervical Inflammation

Sexual activity, viruses, bacterial infections, hormonal changes, prescription drugs and yeast infections can cause cervical inflammation. According to physicians from the University of Pennsylvania, inflammation causes only mildly abnormal results. Once the cause of the inflammation has been treated, future pap test results should be normal. If abnormal results occur again, further testing may be needed to find the underlying cause.

Dried Skin Cells

Dried skin cells are a cervical change that can be caused by cervical caps and diaphragms or infections of the cervix. The development of these cells is known as hyperkeratosis, but it's not a serious condition. If these cells appear on a pap smear, a second pap smear will be done to determine if the changes are still present.

Sexual Activity

The friction of sexual intercourse can cause bleeding and tissue damage, so women are advised not to engage in intercourse for at least 24 hours before a scheduled pap smear. If these directions aren't followed, blood and tissues may appear on the pap smear slide and cause the laboratory to report abnormal results.