Generality
The cervical swab is a diagnostic test aimed at finding microorganisms responsible for infections of the cervix (or cervix ).
The cervical swab consists in removing the flaking cells and secretions from the cervix and the endocervical canal, using a small muffled stick, similar to a cotton swab. Subsequent laboratory analyzes, performed on the sample thus collected, make it possible to identify the possible presence of the pathogen sought.
In particular, the cervical swab is a useful tool in the diagnosis of some specific infections affecting the genital system, including gonorrhea, chlamydia, warts and warts . This examination also serves to establish the most appropriate therapeutic protocol for eradicating the identified pathogen.
What's this
The cervical swab is a quick and painless exam that aims to track down the presence of infections in the cervix .
Cervix: where is it?
To be clear, the cervix is the inferior portion of the uterus, turned inferiorly towards the vagina, with which it is in continuity.
The cervical swab consists of the analysis of secretions and mucosal cells lining the cervix. This type of test is performed by the gynecologist through the introduction into the endocervical canal of appropriate padded sticks, which have the task of taking a sample to be analyzed later in the laboratory.
Generally, cells and secretions collected through the cervical swab allow a double analysis:
- A part of the material is crawled on a slide ; the sample is then fixed with methyl alcohol and, if necessary, is processed with a specific color (eg Gram stain to detect and coarsely identify the bacteria; Papanicolaou staining for the detection of human papilloma virus etc.);
- The other part of the sample is inserted, instead, in a special container that is immediately delivered to the laboratory for reading under a microscope and for a culture test aimed at highlighting the possible growth of bacteria or fungi.
The cervical swab thus allows the detection and identification of pathogenic microorganisms present in the cervix, which can cause infections. This information provides important support for therapeutic choices for the management of this type of disease.
Why do you run
The cervical swab is an examination performed by the gynecologist in order to identify any infections affecting the cervix. This is indicated when a woman complains about disorders of the genital apparatus, to determine the exact cause and establish the correct therapeutic protocol.
The infectious pathology that most often arises as a cause of inflammation of the cervix ( cervicitis ) is supported by candida, gonorrhea, chlamydia, human papilloma virus (HPV) and herpes viruses (such as the herpes simplex virus).
What is it for?
The cervical swab includes the search for pathogens responsible for sexually transmitted diseases, such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonococcus), Chlamydia trachomatis (chlamydia), genital mycoplasmas and human papilloma virus (HPV).
The cervical swab is performed above all to be able to intervene promptly and prevent the infection from causing more severe problems, such as chronic pelvic pain, infertility and increased risk of ectopic pregnancy.
When do you run?
The cervical swab is performed when the gynecologist suspects the presence of localized infections in the cervix or in the uterus, after observation during the visit or on the basis of the symptoms reported by the patient.
Some of these include:
- Intimate itching;
- Redness or pain in the genital area;
- Bleeding in periods other than those of the menstrual cycle or after sexual intercourse;
- Abdominal pain;
- Pain during sexual intercourse;
- Heaviness in the lower abdomen;
- Frequent and / or painful urination;
- Presence of unusual vaginal secretions.
The examination serves to identify above all sexually transmitted diseases ( STDs ), of a bacterial nature (such as chlamydia, mycoplasma and gonorrhea), viral (papilloma virus or herpes virus infections), fungal or parasitic.
How to do it
The cervical swab consists in collecting a sample of cells and secretions from the cervical area, using a small muffled stick, similar to a cotton swab.
To carry out the examination, the patient is made to lie down on the gynecological table, with her legs apart and slightly raised. The doctor performing the cervical swab gently inserts a speculum into the vagina. This device slightly dilates the vaginal walls, so as to favor the observation of the cervix from the outside, with the help of a light source.
The sample is taken by placing the cervical swab in contact with the cervix, then it is gently turned for a few seconds in the endocervical canal, in order to remove the secretions and collect the most superficial cells.
A part of the material taken with the cervical swab is inserted in a special container, while another part is "swiped" on a glass slide. Everything is sent immediately to the laboratory for microbiological analysis, which will provide the results after a few days.
To know
The cervical swab is a gynecological examination very similar to that of the vaginal swab ; the latter is carried out, however, on the vagina. The method of execution of the cervical swab can also be compared to the Pap test .
How long is the exam?
The cervical swab is an exam performed in an outpatient setting, which requires a few minutes (approximately ten) for the execution.
The results of the molecular analysis (ie on the genetic material of the researched microorganism) may be available within a few days (1-2), while the culture tests may require up to a week for their correct interpretation.
What does the report contain?
The name of any pathogens identified during the microbiological analysis of the sample and the diagnostic conclusion is reported in the cervical swab report. The examination also considers the quantity of leukocytes possibly present in the cervix (note: the presence of white blood cells at the level of the cervix is a sign of infection).
Preparation
In order not to negatively invalidate the result of the cervical swab, it is good:
- Refrain from sexual intercourse in the 24 hours preceding the exam;
- Discontinue any oral antibiotic and antifungal therapy in the week before (these drugs could lead to a false outcome, ie indicate the absence of infection when, in reality, this is present);
- Suspend treatments for topical use (eggs, glow plugs, etc.) at least 48 hours before the cervical swab;
- Avoid vaginal washing and irrigation, and baths in the tank for 48 hours prior to collection;
- Do not use detergents during the hygiene of the genital organs on the morning of the examination.
Furthermore, the cervical swab must be performed a few days in advance and delayed respectively from the beginning and end of menstruation. For this sampling, then, it is necessary to refrain from urinating in the 3 hours before the exam.
Contraindications and Risks
Usually, the cervical swab is not performed during pregnancy .
During this particular period, however, the doctor could indicate the execution of a vaginal swab to verify that the woman does not suffer from infections, for example due to yeasts (such as Candida albicans ), bacteria (beta-hemolytic streptococcus, Ureaplasma urealitycum, Staphylococcus, Gardnerella vaginalis ) or protozoa ( Trichomonas vaginalis ), dangerous for its health and that of the fetus.
Altered Values: Causes
The cervical swab allows to formulate the diagnosis of venereal diseases (sexually transmitted), such as gonorrhea, mycoplasma infections or chlamydia. If the analysis is positive, drugs or specific treatments are administered to eradicate the infection.
Pathogens that can be identified by analyzing the material taken with the cervical swab include:
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonococcus);
- Chlamydia trachomatis (chlamydia);
- Genital mycoplasma;
- Human papilloma virus (HPV), responsible for condyloma and benign genital warts.
