Menstrual blood can interfere with the accuracy of a cervical screening test. The presence of blood cells can obscure the cervical cells, making it difficult to obtain a clear sample for analysis. This could lead to an inconclusive result, requiring repeat testing.
Accurate cervical screening is crucial for early detection of precancerous or cancerous changes in the cervix. Minimizing factors that could lead to inaccurate results increases the effectiveness of these screenings, contributing to improved patient outcomes and potentially life-saving early interventions. Historically, guidelines have recommended avoiding cervical screening during menstruation to ensure the highest quality samples.