“Negative pap smear?”
I went in for my annual pap smear and was told it came back negative. However, I looked at my lab result and it says. EPITHELIAL CELL ABNORMALITY.
- ATYPICAL SQUAMOUS CELLS OF UNDETERMINED SIGNIFICANCE (ASC-US).
It also says : HPV Aptima, Positive A, Negative 02
- This nucleic acid amplification test detects fourteen high-risk
- HPV types (16,18,31,33,35,39,45,51,52,56,58,59,66,68) without differentiation.
The lady who called me to tell me my results said that my pap smear was all good and it came back negative. However, I was NOT told that I have HPV. Is this normal behavior, to not tell patients that they have HPV? I am confused.
- ATYPICAL SQUAMOUS CELLS OF UNDETERMINED SIGNIFICANCE (ASC-US).
It also says : HPV Aptima, Positive A, Negative 02
- This nucleic acid amplification test detects fourteen high-risk
- HPV types (16,18,31,33,35,39,45,51,52,56,58,59,66,68) without differentiation.
The lady who called me to tell me my results said that my pap smear was all good and it came back negative. However, I was NOT told that I have HPV. Is this normal behavior, to not tell patients that they have HPV? I am confused.
Female | 24 years old
Conditions: Had trich in the past. All clear now
2 Answers
Typically, this is not customary. We usually review all of the findings with patients. ASCUS is a finding that can occur with inflammation or cellular changes that we don’t quite have an explanation for. With this finding, HPV testing usually occurs. This is a virus that is sexually transmitted. It is a known risk factor for cervical cancer. With your age and your current results, there is nothing to worry about currently, just have a repeat Pap smear in 1 year. Also, if you have not already, discuss the HPV vaccine with your provider.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Hello,
Atypical is not negative. An ASCUS test is usually sent for HPV test and if HPV is negative, routine follow-up is recommended. If HPV positive, additional testing is usually recommended. I cannot tell based on your question the HPV result, and the reports can be tricky to read sometimes. I agree you should be informed of a positive test. It may be worth calling your doctor and asking for clarification.
Dr. Wilson
Atypical is not negative. An ASCUS test is usually sent for HPV test and if HPV is negative, routine follow-up is recommended. If HPV positive, additional testing is usually recommended. I cannot tell based on your question the HPV result, and the reports can be tricky to read sometimes. I agree you should be informed of a positive test. It may be worth calling your doctor and asking for clarification.
Dr. Wilson
