18/05/2026
HVS Test (High Vaginal Swab Test)
The HVS Test is a microbiological laboratory test used to detect infections in the female reproductive tract by examining va**nal discharge.
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Definition
High Vaginal Swab (HVS) test is the collection and laboratory examination of va**nal secretions to identify bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections.
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Objectives
• To diagnose va**nal infections
• To identify causative microorganisms
• To guide appropriate treatment
• To detect sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
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Principle
A sterile swab is used to collect va**nal discharge from the upper va**nal canal. The specimen is examined microscopically and cultured to identify pathogens.
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Specimen
• Vaginal discharge collected using sterile cotton swab
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Materials Required
• Sterile va**nal swab
• Speculum
• Microscope slides
• Culture media
• Incubator
• Normal saline
• Gram staining reagents
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Procedure
1. Explain procedure to the patient
2. Insert sterile speculum into va**na
3. Collect discharge from upper va**nal wall using sterile swab
4. Prepare smear on glass slide
5. Perform:
o Wet mount examination
o Gram staining
o Culture if required
6. Incubate culture plates and observe growth
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Microscopic Findings
Finding Interpretation
Pus cells Infection/inflammation
Budding yeast cells Candida infection
Motile protozoa Trichomoniasis
Clue cells Bacterial vaginosis
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Common Organisms Detected
• Candida albicans
• Trichomonas va**nalis
• Gardnerella va**nalis
• Neisseria gonorrhoeae
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Clinical Importance
HVS test helps diagnose:
• Candidiasis
• Bacterial vaginosis
• Trichomoniasis
• Vaginal and sexually transmitted infections
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Precautions
• Use sterile equipment
• Avoid contamination
• Collect specimen before antibiotic therapy if possible
• Process specimen quickly
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Result
• Presence of pathogenic organisms indicates infection.
• Absence of abnormal organisms indicates normal va**nal flora.
Data by Earth of story
