Text Equivalent - Section 3 - Laboratory Diagnosis of Sexually Transmitted Infections
Figure 1. Diagram for self-collected vaginal sampling
Source: Chernesky et. al., Sexually Transmitted Diseases. 32: 729-733, 2005.
This diagram has eight panels, each one demonstrating a step in the self-collection of a vaginal sample for STIs.
- Step 1: To open the vaginal swab package, grasp its two upper edges, and pull them apart.
- Step 2: When the package is about ¼ open, the tip of the swab's shaft will be exposed.
- Step 3: Grasp it between the thumb and index finger, at the crimp on the shaft; and remove it from the package.
- Step 4: Part the labia (the genital skin folds) with fingers from the other hand, and insert the swab at about a 45 degree angle, until the fingers holding it are against the vulva (external genitalia or perineum). Then turn the swab in a circle, gently brushing the vaginal walls.
- Step 5: After removing the swab from the vagina, hold it aloft as you open the transport tube.
- Step 6: Place the swab inside the tube, sampling end down.
- Step 7: Snap off the protruding portion of the swab shaft by pressing the shaft against the side of the transport tube and pressing down.
- Step 8: Recap the tube.
Return to Figure 1