Vaginal swabs

Definition

Vaginal swabs are medical tools used to collect samples from the vaginal area for the purpose of detecting infections, including bacterial infections. They are essential in diagnosing and guiding treatment for urogenital system infections.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Vaginal swabs can detect a variety of pathogens, including bacteria like Gardnerella vaginalis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
2. Proper technique and sterility are crucial when collecting samples to avoid contamination and ensure accurate results.
3. Swab samples are often cultured or subjected to molecular methods like PCR to identify specific bacterial species.
4. The use of vaginal swabs is a common diagnostic method for conditions such as bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
5. Patient preparation, including avoiding douching or using vaginal products before sampling, is important for obtaining reliable results.

Review Questions

• What types of pathogens can be detected using vaginal swabs?
• Why is it important to use proper technique and sterility when collecting vaginal swab samples?
• How are vaginal swab samples analyzed in the laboratory?

Related terms

Bacterial Vaginosis:

A condition caused by an imbalance in the normal bacterial flora of the vagina.

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction):

A molecular technique used to amplify DNA sequences for identification of pathogens.

Neisseria gonorrhoeae:

The bacterium responsible for the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhea.