High vaginal swab culture & sensitivity
(HVS)

A culture is a test to find the exact germs (such as bacteria or a fungus) that is causing an infection. A sensitivity test checks to see what kind of medicine, such as an antibiotic, will work best to treat the illness or infection

Sample type:

Vaginal swab

Uses:

can be useful for the investigation of bacterial vaginosis and can confirm vaginal candidiasis culture

symptoms:

• Vaginal discharge and lower abdominal pain.

• Itching around perineum.

• Irregular P/V spotting.

• Foul smelling discharge.

• Curdy white discharge.

Precautions:

• Ensure the bladder is empty.

• Ensure the woman is adequately covered and comfortable for the procedure.

• Set the woman in a Dorsal Position.

• Position the light.

• Hand hygiene should be performed before and after procedure

• Do not take antibiotics for at least 3 days before the test.

Interfering factors:

Candida and bacterial vaginosis are the most common cause of discharge; diagnosis can be based on symptoms, pH and signs.

• Trichomoniasis is a less common cause of vaginal discharge in primary care but when found, is often associated with other sexually transmitted infections.

• Vaginal candidiasis caused by fungal infection with Candida albicans.

• Bacterial vaginosis caused by an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria, particularly Gardnerella vaginalis.

• Trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by the protozoan Trichomoniasis vaginalis (TV).

• Endocervical infections caused by Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae may cause vaginal discharge or other symptoms such as; dysuria, post coital/intermenstrual bleeding, deep dyspareunia, pelvic pain and tenderness (if there is ascending pelvic infection), or reactive arthritis.

• Herpes simplex may rarely be associated with discharge.

• STIs are significantly more common in women

Pre analytical errors:

• Labeling specimens

• Contaminations of the specimens

• Preserving specimens

• Transporting of the specimens

Corrective action:

• Specimen should be labeled

• Collection should be as aseptic as possible

• Specimen should be transported quickly to prevent drying out.

Post analytical errors:

• Incorrect test result

• Improper manual data entry

• Delay in test result

Reference Range:

Negative