Question

A patient is being seen today for her Pap test and pelvic exam. She was given preparation instructions prior to her appointment. After the medical assistant prepares the patient for her exam, she says she is on

the last day of her period and figured it would be fine to have the Pap test anyway, since her flow was light. She also tells the medical assistant that she and her husband are trying to get pregnant and have been
having intercourse every night for the past month.
Will the physician be able to collect a specimen for the Pap test?
What should the medical assistant have done before prepping the patient for the exam?
Check My Wor
When is the best time for the patient to have her Pap test?

Answer 1

The physician might still be able to perform the Pap test on the last day of the patient's period, though it's not ideal. The medical assistant should have verified that the patient followed preparation instructions prior to the exam. The optimal time for a Pap test is mid-cycle, between menstrual periods.

Step-by-step explanation:

Whether the physician will be able to collect a specimen for a Pap test while the patient is on the last day of her period can vary. Typically, it is recommended to schedule a Pap test when a patient is not menstruating to ensure a clearer sample of cells from the cervix. Light menstrual flow may not prevent a successful collection, but it is not considered the optimal condition. Before prepping the patient for the exam, the medical assistant should have confirmed the patient's compliance with the preparation instructions, including abstaining from intercourse and not being on their menstrual period for an optimal test result. The best time for a patient to have her Pap test is at least a few days after menstruation has finished, preferably mid-cycle, typically two weeks before their next expected period. This timing helps avoid the presence of blood that could potentially obscure the cervical cells on the Pap smear slide.