Preferred Sample Type
Sample Preparation
If unable to send immediately please refrigerate sampleTurnaround Time
3 daysSample Stability
Specimen kept for 1 weekGenital Swabs (HVS) Microscopy, Culture & Susceptibility
General Information
Liquid culture swabs (pink tops) for high vaginal swabs (HVS) replace the old charcoal swabs from 06/06/12 onwards. Please make sure no charcoal swabs are sent otherwise they will be rejected. Please refer to Clinical bacteriology on the Microbiology services section or use link below.
Routine investigation includes microscopy for Bacteriial vaginosis (BV), pus cells and culture for thrush (candida).
For male genital samples see: Urethral swabs
Patient Preparation
General guidance on how to use liquid eSwabs:ESWAB INSTRUCTIONS
For general aspects of taking genital swab samples we recommend that users follow either their local protocols or “The Royal Marsden Manual of Clinical Nursing Procedures”.
Low vaginal swabs (LVS)
- Use pink top e-swab
- Insert the swab into the lower part of the vagina and rotate gently but firmly.
High vaginal swabs (HVS)
- Use speculum to separate the vaginal walls.
- Wipe away any excess cervical mucus with a cotton swab.
- Use pink top e-swab to sample as high as possible in the vaginal vault.
Notes
Order liquid swabs from requisition forms provided to your department. If STD suspected then an APTIMA swab or urine is only accepted for Chlamydia and Gonococci PCR. Endocervical swab from charcoal will not be tested for Gonococci and will be rejected.
Culture for Trichomonas vaginalis will only be performed is specifically requested on the request form.
Genito urinary medicine/ sexual health clinics please contact laboratory for details of what samples to take.
Culture for Neisserria gonorrhoae is performed from urethral liquid (orange top)swabs.
Specifications
- EQA Scheme?: Yes
- EQA Status: NEQAS