What is Vaginal Swab For Culture & Sensitivity- Aerobic?

Culture and sensitivity testing are usually done from cervical swab specimens collected from women who are having abnormal vaginal discharges and possible genitourinary tract infections. Such conditions are usually caused by aerobic bacterial organisms. Culturing bacteria helps in creating bacterial colonies in a petri dish and then different antibiotics are added to the dish and the most effective antibiotic that can eliminate maximum number of bacteria is identified. This helps in more accurate treatment of the particular infection. Local gonococcal infections in women primarily affect the cervix and are often does not to show any particular symptoms, but can cause an increased vaginal discharge, genital itching or dysuria.

Preparation

No special preparations are required from the part of the patient. Patient should inform the clinician about the different medications she is currently undertaking. Since the best time for screening is between day 10 and 20 of menstrual cycle, she has to inform the clinician about which day she had her last bleeding. Sometimes the clinician may ask you to avoid the use of spermicidal creams, jellies, foams and vaginal medications few days prior to the test.

Uses

Culture and sensitivity cervical swab test is done usually in pregnant ladies and those with abnormal vaginal discharges and bleeding. Aerobic bacterial infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis etc. can be identified by the test and suitable antibiotic therapy can also be determined on the basis of this test. If not treated on time the patient can act as a carrier of the infection and can cause similar infection in her partner. Also if she is pregnant, it can affect the growing fetus

Procedure

Cervical-vaginal specimens are to be collected with the use of a speculum in lithotomy position. Insert the speculum into the vagina. Wipe away any excess cervical mucus before inserting the swab. Insert the swab gently into endocervical canal and rotate it. Withdraw the swab without touching the skin. Remove the speculum. Wipe vaginal area with suitable cloth. Place the swab into the test tube. Tip of the swab is to be seen below the tube label. The specimen collection data is immediately recorded on lab requisition form. Specimen transported to microbiology department