Vaginal smear
General information:
The study offers cultural examination (culture) for the main bacterial pathogens through the use of special and differentiating nutrient media, microscopic preparation and other modern methods of diagnosis.
Vaginal secretions are examined in a number of cases: prophylactically during a certain period of time, pregnancy, when the woman complains (itching, burning, secretion, rash, unpleasant smell), before surgical interventions and procedures. The most common inflammatory diseases are vulvitis (inflammation of external genital organs), vaginitis, cervicitis.
The causes of inflammation are different, but the most common are: fungi (Candida spp, bacteria (Streptococcus agalactiae, Listeria monocytogenes, Gardnerella vaginalis, Enterobacteriaceae), parasites (T.vaginalis), viruses (herpes, papilloma), mycoplasmas and chlamydia.
Depending on your complaints, the attending physician appoints the type of examination. In the case of fungal and bacterial causes, material is taken with a swab and brought to the laboratory for microbiological culture. In the presence of a positive result of the microbiological examination, it is necessary to determine the sensitivity of the isolated microorganisms to medications (antibacterial, antimycotic), in order to select the most suitable treatment for the specific patient. Thus, the success of the treatment is guaranteed.
Sample required:
The material is taken by a specialist!
It is desirable that no antibiotic treatment was carried out (at least 7-8 days), no vaginal douching and local treatment for at least 48-72 hours before taking the secretion.
Microbiological examination is not performed during menstruation.
It is advised to refrain from sexual contact and urination for at least 2 hours before taking the secretion!
Report recent illnesses, surgeries or if you suspect you are pregnant. Timely transport of the sample!
If gonorrhea is suspected, cervical rather than vaginal discharge is recommended!
It is possible that the cause of the complaints is another (viruses, chlamydia, mycoplasma, trichomonas), which are not isolated in this type of examination. Also, some intimate gels, soaps, spermicidal gels, even preparations for vaginal application can cause itching and discomfort.
In some infections, a microbiological examination of urine is recommended in parallel with that of vaginal discharge, due to the close anatomical predisposition!