1. Wipe away an excessive amount of secretion or discharge.
2. Obtain secretions from the mucosal membrane of the vaginal vault using the two sterile swabs supplied.
3. For intrauterine devices, place entire device in a sterile container.

1. Gram staining is used for confirmation of bacterial vaginosis as results from culture alone are misleading.  Bacterial Vaginosis detection is based on the presence of Clue Cells, Lactobacilli, Gardnerella and Mobiluncus.
2. Chlamydia and Gonococcal testing may be falsely negative on vaginal swabs as these organisms infect the endocervical cells.