How to take a vaginal sample

Before you start

Please post your sample on the day you collected it.
Wash your hands and check the kit is within the expiry date. This can be found on the top of your mailing box. If the kit seal is broken do not use the kit and contact us.
Check you have all materials as described in the list of components. If components within the kit are damaged or missing, do not use the kit and contact us.
If you are pregnant, let us know before you take this sample.
Do not clean your labia and vagina before taking the sample.

You will need:

Keep the sample tube upright and then unscrew the cap, to avoid any liquid spillage. Place your tube into the tube holder labelled B.

Remove your swab from its packaging. Make sure the soft tip doesn’t touch anything before sample collection.

Hold the swab at the black line, this will make sure you don’t insert it too far.

With your legs apart, gently spread the skin outside your vagina.

Point the tip towards your lower back and slowly insert the swab tip 5cm into your vagina.

6. Rotate the swab for 5 seconds, making sure it touches the walls of your vagina. Gently pull out the swab.

Place the swab into the tube with the soft tip facing the bottom of the tube.

With the black line at the rim of the tube, bend the swab until it snaps. Be careful not to spill any of the liquid.

Screw the cap of the tube back on. Remove a tube label from your lab form and apply it to the side of your tube vertically as shown.

Before you post your samples:

You’ll need your lab form and a pen.
Check all your sample tubes are securely closed and you've stuck labels to each one.

Place your tubes into the plastic pouch and follow the instructions on the front to seal it.
Place this into your mailing box.
Write the date you took your samples on your lab form.
Place your completed lab form into your mailing box alongside your samples.
Close your mailing box. Making sure you don’t cover the UN3373 markings or your return postage label, seal your mailing box shut using the security seal provided.
Post your samples to the lab. Making sure to follow your local guidelines, dispose of all your used and unused items.

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