Vulvar swab

How to prepare for the exam

  • wait at least 5 days after menstruation ends
  • wait at least 7 days  from the end of any antibiotic therapy, both local therapy (creams, candles, ovules, and vaginal washes) and general ones (oral, intramuscolar, intravenous)
  • avoid sexual intercourses during 24 hours before the exam
  • the day of the exam, perform a regular hygiene of the external genitalia
  • In the 3 days prior to the exam, do not use vaginal pessaries, creams or douches

The vulval swab may cause a small blood loss, which spontaneously regresses within 24h.


(If you have a doctor's recommendation, please bring it to the time of the examination)

How to collect results

Results can be received by email, ordinary mail or collected personally at HeLab from Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 18:00.

In case you delegate someone to deliver your sample or to collect your result, it is necessary to present the signed form “Sample delivery form” or “Result collection form” together with the copy of your own ID card and the copy of the person’s ID card you delegate.