Examining and Testing for STI's

Swabbing of the cervix

Swabbing the cervix must be done gently. If a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) is being used, the cervix should first be swabbed clear of mucous with a separate swab before doing the test swab. A pap test should be performed last because taking a sampling of cells from the cervix may cause slight bleeding which may lead to NAAT inhibition.

To learn more about collecting cervical specimens, click here and go to page 51 of the Canadian STD Guidelines.

photo reproduced with the permission of Dr. Marc Steben