Female genital tract samples (hvs vaginal vulval cervix cx iucd candidiasis vaginitis trichomoniasis tv bv gonorrhoea pid)

Microbiology

Notes

• Routine examination of high vaginal swabs (HVS) includes microscopy for bacterial vaginosis (BV) and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) and culture for Candida, Lancefield Groups A, C and G streptococci and Staphylococcus aureus
• Endocervical swabs are required for the diagnosis of gonococcal infection. They are NOT an optimal sample for the diagnosis of Candida, BV or TV
• Vulval swabs are cultured for Candida, Lancefield Groups A, C and G streptococci, Staphylococcus aureus and in children Haemophilus influenza
• Urethral swabs are not normally required for microbiological investigation
• IUCDs may be examined if Actinomyces infection is suspected
• Listeria culture can be performed in cases of intrauterine death, septic abortion and miscarriage
• Candida sensitivity testing is available on request for cases of recurrent or recalcitrant candidiasis
• See also:
  • Chlamydia trachomatis PCR
  • Herpes simplex (HSV) PCR viral swab
  • Group B streptococcus screen
  • Placenta swab
  • Male genital tract samples (urethral, penile)
• The information given here is intended for use by healthcare professionals. Please see Lab Tests Online-UK for more general advice, links and background.

Sample requirements

Standard charcoal transport swab

Place swab into transport medium

Instructions for self-collected vaginal swabs

Required information

• Relevant clinical details:
  • Suspected STI
  • Pregnancy and gestation point
  • Intra-uterine death, septic abortion or miscarriage
  • PID
  • PROM or SROM
  • Gynaecological surgery
  • Suspected Bartholin's abscess
• Current or recent antibiotic therapy

Storage/transport

Store and transport at room temperature

Turnaround time

2 - 5 days

Investigation for Actinomyces will take 10 - 14 days