High vaginal swab
Appearance
High vaginal swab | |
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![]() Swab used for performing a HVS |
A high vaginal swab (HVS) is a medical procedure performed in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, to commonly test for the presence of vaginal thrush, bacterial vaginosis and trichomonas vaginalis. It is carried out under aseptic conditions, by a healthcare professional, who uses a speculum to visualise the vagina. After inserting the swab to the top of the vagina, it is rotated to obtain a sample of the discharge and subsequently the speculum is removed and the sample sent for microscopy, culture and sensitivity.[1][2][3]
References
- ^ McKay-Moffat, Stella; Lee, Pamela (2010). A Pocket Guide for Student Midwives. John Wiley & Sons. p. 159. ISBN 9780702031465.
- ^ Johnson, Ruth; Taylor, Wendy (2010). "11. Principles of infection control; obtaining swabs". Skills for Midwifery Practice. Edinburgh: Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 87. ISBN 978-0-7020-4425-0.
- ^ Edouard, Lindsay; Olatunbosun, Olufemi A. (2014). "11. The control of sexually transmitted infections through integrated reproductive health services". In Okonofua, Friday (ed.). Confronting the Challenge of Reproductive Health in Africa: A Textbook for Students and Development Practitioners. Women's Health and Action Research Centre. p. 245. ISBN 978-1-62734-508-8.