The patient should be instructed not to douche before having a Pap smear taken because douching

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Douching can reduce the number of cells available for analysis during a Pap smear, making it more difficult for the healthcare provider to accurately diagnose any abnormalities or changes in the cervical cells. Additionally, douching may also irritate the vaginal tissue and alter the normal pH balance, potentially leading to false-positive test results or changes in the appearance of the epithelial cells. Therefore, patients should be advised to abstain from douching for at least 24 hours before a Pap smear.

The Patient Should Be Instructed Not to Douche Before Having