The procedure is carried out with good light and in clean conditions by a healthcare professional. After lubricating the speculum in warm water, it is inserted into the vagina to see the vagina and cervix, whilst also protecting the swab from being contaminated by organisms on the vulva. After inserting the swab to the top of the vagina, it is rotated to obtain a sample of the discharge and subsequently the speculum is removed and the sample sent for microscopy, culture and sensitivity, in charcoal-based transport medium. If the sample cannot be sent to the laboratory immediately, it may be stored in a fridge. It cannot be used to look for chlamydia or gonorrhoea.
High vaginal swab
Vaginal wet mount
Buccal swab
Rectovaginal examination
Vaginal photoplethysmograph
Vaginal ultrasonography
Sims' vaginal speculum
Veterinary parasitology