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High Vaginal Swab (HVS) Culture
Synonyms
HVS M/C/S, HVS Culture Test, High Vaginal Swab (HVS) culture
Purpose
The High Vaginal Swab (HVS) Culture is a laboratory test that collects and examines vaginal secretions to identify bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections in the female reproductive tract.
Healthcare providers use this test to diagnose conditions such as vaginitis, bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
It is especially important for women experiencing symptoms like abnormal vaginal discharge, itching, irritation, pain during intercourse, or lower abdominal pain. Early detection helps prevent complications such as infertility or chronic pelvic pain.
To gain a clearer understanding of the infection, the HVS culture is often performed alongside other tests such as urinalysis, Pap smear, sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening, and endocervical swabs.
Patient Preparation for an HVS Culture
The patient must not take antibiotics for at least 3 days before the test.
Samples
Collect 2ml vaginal swabs using a Copan Eswab, ensuring you follow hand hygiene beforehand. Using a cotton swab, remove any excess cervical mucous before inserting it as high as possible into the vaginal vault. Place the swab in sterile transport media, like ESwab Liquid Amies solution, to preserve the existence of various bacteria. Refrigerate the swab in the sterile transport media until processing.
Reference Range
No growth obtained/ no pathogens isolated
Results Turnaround
3 – 5 days after receipt of samples.
Diseases / Diagnostic Indicators
The High Vaginal Swab (HVS) Culture helps detect infections in the female reproductive tract, particularly in the vagina. It identifies specific organisms, bacteria, fungi, or parasites that may be causing symptoms such as unusual discharge, itching, odor, or pelvic pain.
Possible outcomes of the test include:
- Positive for Bacterial Vaginosis (BV): Indicates an imbalance in vaginal flora, typically an overgrowth of Gardnerella vaginalis or other anaerobic bacteria.
- Positive for Candidiasis (Yeast Infection): Suggests a fungal infection, most commonly caused by Candida albicans, often resulting in thick white discharge and intense itching.
- Positive for Trichomoniasis: Detects the presence of Trichomonas vaginalis, a sexually transmitted parasite that causes frothy yellow-green discharge and irritation.
- Positive for other pathogens: May show growth of Escherichia coli, Group B Streptococcus, or Mycoplasma/Ureaplasma species, which can be significant, especially during pregnancy.
- Negative result: No abnormal organisms detected. This typically means no active infection, though symptoms may require further investigation with additional tests.
By identifying the exact cause of infection, HVS culture results guide appropriate treatment and help prevent further complications. For more on HVS Testing, read this study.