Culture & Sensitivity - Vaginal Swab
A vaginal swab test identifies the pathogens present in the vagina (female reproductive organ), which indicates the cause of infection and examines the clinical manifestations (symptoms) such as vaginal irritation. The culture and sensitivity test result establish the source of the pathogen and also suggests the most effective treatment.
Culture & Sensitivity: Vaginal swab:
Why Culture and Sensitivity - Vaginal Swab Test?
CLINICAL INFORMATION
Bacterial vaginosis, Trichomoniasis and vulvovaginal candidiasis are the most common infectious causes of vaginitis. Vaginal swabs are taken to test for infections caused in the female genital tract, which when ignored might ascend up and can affect kidneys leading to its associated diseases (eg. pyelonephritis) and also eventually result in endo-cervix and pelvic inflammatory diseases (vaginal or cervical infection can also extend up to the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries and to the entire pelvic area). The symptoms can vary from abnormal vaginal discharge, irregular bleeding, pelvic pain, Urethritis etc. Hence apart from vaginal swabs, another related specimen may also be collected for the purpose such as a swab of cervix, aspirated endocervix, urethral discharge etc. As a part of a routine check-up, the tests for sexually transmitted diseases also becomes mandatory (during conception to prevent TORCH infection) in diseases related to the female reproductive organ. The usual microbial pathogens are either bacteria (eg. Chlamydia trachomatis – Gram-negative bacteria, Syphilis etc) or fungi (eg. vaginal candidiasis), although other causatives such as viral (HPV-Human Papillomavirus, HSV – Herpes simplex virus) and Archaea and protists are also included among them. Some of the common reproductive pathologies are namely gonorrhea, chlamydia, bacterial vaginosis, lymphogranuloma venereum, trichomonasis, chancroid etc. Hence the culture and sensitivity test results not just confirm the identity of the causative micro-organism but also suggests the most efficient treatment modalities. Symptoms may vary from the quantity of vaginal discharge, colour, consistency, unpleasant odour, pelvic pain, sores, burning micturition, irregular periods etc. Other tests include pelvic examination by physician (Gynecologist), additional related tests for supporting evidence (ELISA method for antigen/antibody detection eg. Trichomonas vaginalis).
General Instructions:
Sample Requirement: Specimen –Vaginal swab. Test Preparation: None.
NOTE - Sample for specimen collections may vary based on the patient’s condition/cases according to the patient’s presenting complaints/signs or symptoms:
SPECIMEN REQUIREMENT (Special or Rare Cases) - As instructed and guided by Physician / Clinician / Pathologist / as per Laboratory’s requirements, according to procedures and protocols.
This Multi-Specialty Clinical Referral Laboratory RTDIAGNOSTICS provides precise and accurate tests with an extensive range of testing services to the medical centres to help in the diagnosis and identification of pathology in the test specimens for infectious diseases and also to evaluate the function of organ systems of the patient. It prevents further complications and helps to stabilize and restore health to near normalcy at the earliest without delay.
