High Vaginal Swab

(Microbiology)

For routine microscopy and culture (Bacteriology), two swabs should be submitted - the first in 'Trichomonas medium' for direct wet microscopy and enrichment culture of trichomonads and yeasts; the second in bacterial transport medium for Gram staining and culture of general bacterial pathogens (including group B streptococci and Gardnerella vaginalis, but NOT Neisseria gonorrhoea - see GONORRHOEA). If indicated on the request form additional steps will be taken to look for low numbers of Listeria monocytogenes.

See also under MYCOPLASMA and UREAPLASMA.
Turnround time: 48 hours.
Additional requests must be notified within 7 days

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