High Vaginal Swab
A High Vaginal Swab is a vital diagnostic tool used to identify bacterial, fungal, or protozoal infections within the upper vaginal tract.
Turnaround time
2-4 business days
Biomarkers count
1
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Overview of the High Vaginal Swab Test
The High Vaginal Swab is a microbiology culture test performed on a specimen collected from the vagina.
The test may be used when vaginal symptoms suggest infection and direct microbiological investigation is required.
The specimen is submitted to the laboratory for culture to assess clinically significant bacterial or fungal growth.
Where appropriate, further organism identification or susceptibility testing may be performed.
A High Vaginal Swab is not the same as a dedicated STI PCR screen.
It does not automatically test for infections such as Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae unless these investigations are ordered separately.
What Does the High Vaginal Swab Test Check?
This test contains 1 specialist microbiology investigation.
High Vaginal Swab
Uses microbiology culture of a vaginal specimen to investigate clinically significant bacterial or fungal growth.
Who May Benefit From the High Vaginal Swab Test?
A High Vaginal Swab may be useful when persistent or recurrent vaginal symptoms require laboratory investigation.
Women experiencing unusual vaginal discharge - Culture may identify clinically significant microbial growth.
Women with persistent vaginal irritation - Microbiology testing may provide additional information.
Women with recurrent vaginal infections - Laboratory assessment can be useful when symptoms repeatedly return.
Women whose symptoms have not responded as expected to treatment - Culture may help clarify whether significant organisms are present.
Women advised by a clinician to have vaginal microbiology testing - A professionally collected specimen can support further assessment.
How to Prepare
Do not stop prescribed treatment without medical advice.
Recent antimicrobial or antifungal treatment can affect culture findings.
Symptoms and Reasons to Consider the High Vaginal Swab Test
Vaginal symptoms can have several infectious and non-infectious causes.
Unusual vaginal discharge - A change in quantity, consistency or appearance may warrant microbiological assessment.
Persistent vaginal irritation or itching - Infection is one of several possible causes.
Unusual vaginal odour - Culture may provide additional information depending on the underlying cause.
Recurring symptoms after treatment - Repeat microbiology testing may be appropriate.
Vaginal discomfort - Persistent symptoms should be assessed in context.
A clinician has requested an HVS - Professional collection helps ensure the correct specimen is obtained.
Pelvic pain, significant bleeding, fever, pregnancy-related concerns or severe symptoms require appropriate medical assessment.
A High Vaginal Swab does not replace a dedicated STI screen where sexual exposure is relevant.
How to Book Your High Vaginal Swab Test
The High Vaginal Swab requires professional clinic collection only.
Choose the High Vaginal Swab Test
Select the £105 vaginal microbiology test.
Select your collection
Book clinic-only vaginal swab collection (+£35 standard clinic collection fee).
Attend your appointment
A vaginal specimen is collected using the correct microbiology swab.
Laboratory analysis
The specimen is cultured and assessed for clinically significant microbial growth.
Receive your results securely
Your authorised microbiology result is returned securely.
When Will I Receive My Results?
Results are generally expected within approximately 2–4 days.
Additional identification or susceptibility testing can occasionally extend the final report.
Understanding Your Results
The report may describe no significant growth, normal or mixed flora, or a clinically significant organism.
The significance of a detected organism depends on symptoms and clinical history.
A positive result does not always mean that the organism identified is the sole cause of symptoms.
A negative culture does not exclude every possible cause of vaginal symptoms.
Persistent symptoms may require STI PCR, gynaecological review or other investigation.
Why Book With London Blood Tests?
London Blood Tests provides private clinic-based vaginal microbiology testing with professional specimen collection.
Dedicated High Vaginal Swab - The sample follows the appropriate vaginal microbiology pathway.
Clinic collection only - Professional collection helps ensure an appropriate specimen.
Microbiology culture - Significant bacterial or fungal growth can be assessed.
Useful for recurring symptoms - Laboratory testing may help where symptoms return after treatment.
Confidential results - Reports are delivered securely.
Clear pricing - The High Vaginal Swab costs £105.
Private High Vaginal Swab Test in London
London Blood Tests provides private High Vaginal Swab testing in London for £105.
The test is clinic collection only and uses microbiology culture to investigate significant vaginal bacterial or fungal growth.
Results are generally expected within approximately two to four days.