Vaginal Swab
Private Vaginal Swab testing in London for £130.99, using a clinic-collected specimen to investigate vaginal infection with results in around 2 days.
Turnaround time
2 days
Biomarkers count
1
Book your test
Choose Service Type
Professional phlebotomist comes to you
+ £{{ home_visit_fee }}
Visit our clinic for your test
{{ clinic_visit_fee > 0 ? '+ £' + clinic_visit_fee : 'Free' }}
Home Visit Details
Home visits require at least 24 hours notice.
Select a clinic: Sorting by distance…
{{ clinicAddress(clinic) }}
{{ clinicAddress(selectedClinic) }}
Select a date
Select an hour
Available time slots: {{ timeSlots.length}}
Overview of the Swab (Vaginal) Test
The Vaginal Swab test examines a sample collected from the vagina for evidence of infection, abnormal microbial growth or other changes that may explain vaginal symptoms.
The test assesses 1 microbiology biomarker: Swab (Vaginal).
Vaginal discharge naturally changes according to the menstrual cycle, hormonal status and other physiological factors.
Not every change indicates infection.
However, persistent alterations in discharge, odour, itching, irritation or soreness can occur with conditions such as bacterial vaginosis, Candida infection and other genital infections.
A vaginal swab allows the laboratory to examine material collected directly from the affected area.
Depending on the laboratory method, microscopy and culture can identify features of bacterial or fungal infection and help determine whether clinically significant organisms are present.
This is different from a dedicated PCR STI panel.
A routine vaginal swab does not automatically test for every sexually transmitted infection.
Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Mycoplasma genitalium, Trichomonas and other organisms may require dedicated PCR testing depending on the clinical question.
The significance of an organism found on culture also depends on symptoms.
Some bacteria can be present as colonisers rather than the cause of disease.
For this reason, results are best interpreted with the appearance of the discharge, symptoms, sexual-health history and any recent antimicrobial treatment.
This swab is collected in clinic only to ensure the correct anatomical specimen and transport medium are used.
What Does the Swab (Vaginal) Test Check?
The test assesses a vaginal specimen for microbiological evidence of infection or imbalance. This test measures 1 biomarker.
Swab (Vaginal)
Examines a vaginal swab for microbiological evidence that may help investigate abnormal discharge, irritation, itching or suspected vaginal infection.
Who May Benefit From the Swab (Vaginal) Test?
A vaginal swab can be useful where persistent symptoms suggest infection or alteration of the normal vaginal flora.
Women with unusual vaginal discharge - Laboratory testing can help distinguish infection from physiological discharge.
Women with persistent vaginal itching - Candida and other causes can be investigated.
Women with vaginal irritation or soreness - Microbiology can form part of the assessment.
Women with a new or persistent vaginal odour - Bacterial imbalance is one possible explanation.
Women with recurrent suspected thrush - Laboratory confirmation can be useful before repeated treatment.
Women with recurrent bacterial-vaginosis-type symptoms - Testing can provide additional microbiological information.
Women whose symptoms have not improved after treatment - Repeat or broader testing can clarify the cause.
Women who require a clinician-collected vaginal specimen - In-clinic collection helps ensure an appropriate sample.
How to Prepare
There is no home or hotel collection option for this swab test.
Do not self-treat repeatedly for presumed thrush when symptoms persist without laboratory or clinical reassessment.
Symptoms and Reasons to Consider the Swab (Vaginal) Test
Symptoms can overlap between vaginal infection, STI, irritation and non-infectious conditions.
Change in vaginal discharge - Colour, consistency or quantity can change with infection.
Persistent vaginal itching - Fungal infection is one possible cause.
Burning or irritation - Inflammation can result from infectious or non-infectious causes.
Unusual vaginal odour - Bacterial imbalance can alter odour.
Recurrent thrush-like symptoms - Culture can help confirm whether Candida is present.
Symptoms returning after treatment - Persistent or recurrent infection may need reassessment.
Symptoms with negative routine STI tests - Vaginal microbiology can investigate other causes.
Pelvic pain, fever, heavy bleeding, pregnancy-related symptoms or severe lower abdominal pain require appropriate medical assessment.
A routine vaginal swab is not a comprehensive STI screen.
How to Book Your Swab (Vaginal) Test
The Vaginal Swab test can be booked privately for investigation of vaginal infection or microbial imbalance.
Choose the Swab (Vaginal)
Select the Vaginal Swab test online.
Select your sample collection option
This test is collected in clinic only; home and hotel collection are not available.
Attend your appointment
A trained healthcare professional collects the vaginal swab using the appropriate laboratory collection medium.
Laboratory analysis
Your specimen undergoes microbiological assessment of Swab (Vaginal).
Receive your results securely
Your authorised result is delivered securely and additional targeted STI PCR testing can be considered if clinically appropriate.
When Will I Receive My Results?
The current London Blood Tests page lists a turnaround of approximately 2 days after laboratory receipt.
Culture-based testing can occasionally take longer if additional organism identification or susceptibility work is required.
The test costs £130.99.
Understanding Your Results
A negative result means no significant abnormal microbiological finding was identified according to the laboratory method.
This does not exclude every possible cause of vaginal symptoms.
A positive result can identify bacterial or fungal growth or another microbiological abnormality.
The significance depends on the organism and whether symptoms are compatible.
Some organisms can be present without causing disease.
A vaginal culture result should therefore not automatically lead to antibiotic treatment without considering the clinical picture.
Dedicated PCR testing may be required if an STI is suspected.
Why Book With London Blood Tests?
London Blood Tests provides private clinician-collected vaginal swab testing for investigation of common vaginal symptoms.
Uses a direct vaginal specimen - The laboratory assesses material from the symptomatic site.
Useful for abnormal discharge - Microbiology can help identify an infectious cause.
Useful for recurrent symptoms - Laboratory confirmation can reduce repeated empirical treatment.
Can investigate suspected Candida - Fungal infection can be assessed where relevant.
Can identify bacterial abnormalities - Culture or microscopy can provide information about vaginal microbiology.
Can be complemented by STI PCR - Separate molecular tests can be added where sexual exposure is a concern.
Clinic-only professional collection - The specimen is collected correctly for laboratory analysis.
Clear pricing - The Swab (Vaginal) test costs £130.99.
Private Swab (Vaginal) Test in London
London Blood Tests provides private vaginal swab testing for women requiring investigation of discharge, itching, irritation or suspected vaginal infection.
The test costs £130.99 and measures 1 microbiology biomarker.
Collection is performed in clinic only.
Results are expected approximately 2 days after laboratory receipt.