[Vaginal cytological smears--experiences from general practitioners in Nordland]

A survey was conducted among 142 general practitioners in Nordland county, Norway, on their use of a Pap smear. About 75% of the general practitioners took a Pap smear more often than every third year from women who used either oral contraceptives or IUD. The doctors reported taking a Pap smear less frequently from elderly women. It is concluded that the present pattern of use of Pap smears is not in conformity with the national guidelines.