	AllExperts > Pathology
	Search

About Neha Dahiya MD
Expertise
I can help patients understand their lab report results, help them with queries regarding what pretest preparation is required. How often a follow up test needs to be done. What does a particular tissue biopsy report mean in everyday English. I can explain the biopsy or cytology procedure. I can deal with Histopathology / cytology / clinical pathology and clinical chemistry queries. Helping in this manner will be my contribution to the community.

Experience
I am a pathologist and director of clinical laboratory services. I have been a practicing pathologist for last 9 years in a 350 bed multi specialty hospital laboratory.

Organizations
Indian association of pathologists and microbiologists.
MIAC - Member International Academy of Cytology
International association of Pathologists - indian division
Indian association of Cytology

Education/Credentials
MD (pathology) MBA

You are here: Experts > Health/Fitness > Medical Specialists > Pathology > unsatisfactory pap smear

Pathology - unsatisfactory pap smear

Expert: Neha Dahiya MD - 11/3/2009

Question
I am 60 years old and have never had a abnormal pap test. I recently went to my Family Dr. for my annual pap. The first pap he did came back "unsatisfactory". He then took another and it also came back unsatisfactory with thickening of the cells. I had a partial hysterectomy when I was 31 years old and still have my ovaries. I am not able to take any hormones because I had a blood clot years ago. Why would the cells be to thicken? My Dr. said he would try another pap test. If they are unable to get a good reading on the pap what would be my next step? Thank you for your time.

Answer
Hello Kay:

I do not understand what thickening of cells in your report signify.

If the report says that the sample is unsatisfactory it is due to various reasons
1) Not enough material on slides to review
2) Too much blood obscures the cells
3) The smear is too thick to adequately visualize the cells.

Other than PAP a test for HPV virus can be done to rule out the risk for cancer.
I hope your PAP smear is adequate and satisfactory next time

Add to this Answer Ask a Question