Culture from endocervix

How the Test is Performed:
During a vaginal examination, a scraping of mucus and cells is taken from the endocervix (the opening of the uterus). Smears are placed on slides or culture media (or both) depending on the suspected cause of infection. The specimens are observed for growth and examined under a microscope. Special stains or biochemical reagents may be used to identify specific organisms in certain types of culture tests.

How to Prepare:
Preparations for a vaginal examination include emptying your bladder (an empty bowel is also preferrable), disrobing from the waist down, placing your feet in the stirrups on the examination table, and covering your lower body with the drape or sheet which is provided.

How it Feels:
There will be some pressure from the speculum, an instrument which is inserted into the vagina to hold the birth canal open in order to observe the cervix and collect the specimen. There may be a slight cramping sensation when the cervix is touched by the swab.

Risks:
There are no risks.

Why this Test is Performed:
The test may be performed to determine the cause of vaginitis or the cause of an unusual vaginal discharge or other signs and symptoms of infection. It is also used to screen for sexually transmitted diseases.

Normal Values:
Vaginal microorganisms that are normally present are present in the expected amounts.

Abnormal Results:
Abnormal results indicate the presence of an infection in the female genital tract. Chlamydia , gonorrhea , herpes simplex , E. coli, C. trachomatis, group A streptococcus , or other microorganisms may be detected by culture.

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:



Cost:
The estimated cost is $150.

Special Considerations:
Not applicable.


This is an illustration of the female reproductive system. Both internal and external views are shown here.