Find Out Your Pap Test Results

It is very important to follow up with your doctor to get the results of your Pap test. Every doctor will have his or her own method of giving patients Pap test results. Before you leave, ask your doctor how you will be notified of the results. If your doctor does not contact you with your results within a week or two following your exam, you should contact him or her.

If your results are "normal" or "negative" This means that no abnormal cell changes were found. You should make an appointment for your next regularly scheduled Pap test. Remember to keep that appointment. Depending on the Pap test results, your doctor may recommend tests more or less often. If your results are "abnormal" or "positive" This means that your Pap test may show abnormal cell changes in your cervix. You may need to have the Pap test again. Your doctor will let you know if you need any other tests.

An "abnormal" or "positive" Pap test does not mean that you have cervical cancer. Most women with an abnormal Pap test do not have cervical cancer. But it is important that you protect your health by getting the follow-up tests and care that your doctor suggests.

Doctor Nguyen: "If someone you know does not speak English, she can ask for an interpreter when she schedules her appointment. She can also ask that the results of the test be sent in Vietnamese. Or, she can ask that an interpreter call to give her the results."