What is the Cervical Swab Test?

A cervical swab test involves collecting a sample of cells and secretions from the cervix using a sterile swab. The sample is analysed in a laboratory to detect bacterial, viral, or fungal infections that may not be visible during a physical examination.

This test is commonly used to identify infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, bacterial vaginosis, trichomonas, mycoplasma, ureaplasma, and certain yeast infections, depending on the laboratory panel requested. It focuses specifically on the cervix, where many sexually transmitted and non-sexually transmitted infections originate.

Cervical swabs are an important diagnostic tool for both symptomatic patients and those undergoing routine screening or follow-up testing.

Why do I need a Cervical Swab test?

Cervical and vaginal infections can be present even when symptoms are mild or absent. If left undetected, some infections may lead to complications affecting reproductive health or increase the risk of transmission to partners.

You may need this test if you experience:

• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Pelvic or lower abdominal pain
• Bleeding between periods or after intercourse
• Vaginal itching, irritation, or burning
• Pain during intercourse
• Symptoms after unprotected sex
• Recurrent vaginal or cervical infections
• Routine sexual health screening

Testing allows accurate identification of the cause of symptoms and supports appropriate medical follow-up.

Benefits of the test

1. Targeted cervical infection detection
   Samples the cervix directly, where many infections originate.
2. High diagnostic accuracy
   Laboratory analysis provides reliable identification of pathogens.
3. Identifies asymptomatic infections
   Useful even when no obvious symptoms are present.
4. Supports reproductive health
   Helps prevent complications affecting fertility or pregnancy.
5. Differentiates similar symptoms
   Distinguishes between bacterial, viral, and fungal causes.
6. Useful for screening and follow-up
   Suitable for routine checks or post-treatment assessment.
7. Quick and minimally invasive
   The swab procedure is brief and well tolerated.
8. Guides further medical care
   Clear results support appropriate next steps.

Step-by-step: How we offer testing

Clinic-based testing (UK-wide)

• Choose your nearest UK clinic
• Attend your appointment
• A clinician performs the cervical swab
• Sample is sent to the laboratory
• Results are issued once analysis is complete

Home or hotel visit (+£60, UK-wide)

• Book a mobile clinician
• Cervical swab taken in your home or hotel
• No clinic visit required
• Sample securely transported to the laboratory

Your results explained

Negative (no infection detected)

• No pathogens identified in the cervical sample
• UK standard: Not detected
• Suggests symptoms are not due to tested infections

Low-level detection

• Small quantities of organisms detected
• UK standard: Low positive / equivocal
• May reflect early infection or colonisation

Positive (infection detected)

• One or more pathogens identified
• UK standard: Organism reported by name
• Indicates active infection requiring clinical interpretation