CQC rating Good2

Vaginal Swabs

Collecting a self-taken vaginal swab

Before you start:

  1. Wash hands with soap and water, rinse and dry.
  2. Remove the swab container from the packaging.

Collect your sample:

  1. Twist the cap to break the seal on the tube. Pull the cap off the swab bottle. Do not touch the swab tip or lay swab down (it is a good idea to stand it upright in a clean mug).
  2. Stand or lie in a comfortable position (as you would when inserting a tampon, for example). Hold the swab by the cap with one hand so the swab tip is pointing towards you. With your other hand, gently spread the skin outside the vagina. Insert the tip of the swab into vaginal opening. Point the tip towards your lower back and relax.
  3. Gentle slide swab no more than 2 inches (5 centimetres) into vagina (gently rotate it as you push).
  4. Rotate swab for 10-15 deconds. Make sure the swab touches the walls of the vagina so that moisture is absorbed into the swab.
  5. Withdraw the swab without touching the surrounding skin. Place the swab in the container tube and push the cap in securely.

Returning your sample:

  1. Peel off the label sticker from the request form and stick it over the side of the swab bottle.
  2. Place the labelled swap in the sealable part of the sample bag and seal.
  3. Wash your hands with soap and water.
  4. Deliver the sample as soon as possible.