This means the quality of the Pap smear is not adequate to give a reliable interpretation. The smear may be inadequate because:

• An insufficient number of cells were present.
• The slide had too many RBCs on it.
• The slide had too many WBCs on it.
• The cells had dried out before fixative was applied to the slide.

An inadequate smear should be repeated, using good technique and fixing the slide with appropriate spray immediately after the cells are smeared on the glass. Before repeating the Pap, you may want to treat any infection that is present (to eliminate the WBCs) and make sure the patient is not on her period (to eliminate the RBCs).