Vaginal swab culture in Chiswick

What the test measures

A swab is taken from inside the vagina, either by you in private or by a clinician, depending on what has been agreed when you book. The laboratory cultures the sample and identifies yeasts and bacteria that grow, including Candida species, group B streptococcus and Staphylococcus aureus. Sensitivity testing can show which treatments are likely to work, which helps when standard thrush or antibiotic treatments have not cleared symptoms.

The vagina has its own balance of healthy bacteria, mainly lactobacilli. Changes in that balance, hormones, antibiotics, diabetes, pregnancy and some soaps or products can allow yeast or other organisms to overgrow. Bacterial vaginosis is usually diagnosed by a microscope test or symptoms rather than culture, and chlamydia, gonorrhoea and trichomonas are best detected with NAAT testing.

The price includes your sample at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a review of your result with an Omnia practitioner, and a GP feedback report on request.

Who it is for

• You have recurrent thrush, with itching and a thick white discharge, and want the type of yeast confirmed.
• You have an unusual discharge, smell or soreness that has not settled.
• You would like to know whether you carry group B streptococcus and have discussed this with your midwife or GP.
• You prefer a private, non-judgemental appointment to look into an intimate symptom.

Understanding your result

The report names any significant organisms and, where relevant, which antifungal or antibiotic treatments they respond to. Mixed vaginal flora or lactobacilli reported on their own are usually reassuring. If a less common Candida species is found, it can explain why a standard thrush treatment did not work, and your practitioner can discuss next steps with you and your GP.

A finding is not a diagnosis by itself. Some women carry Candida or group B streptococcus without any symptoms, and treatment is not always advised. If sexually transmitted infection is a concern, window periods apply, with chlamydia and gonorrhoea tests generally reliable around two weeks after exposure.

Preparing for your test

Avoid vaginal creams, pessaries, douches and lubricants for 48 hours before your swab, and avoid sex for 24 hours if possible. Tell us if you are pregnant, are on your period, or have recently used antifungal or antibiotic treatment. No fasting is needed, and we confirm how the sample is collected when you book.

If intimate symptoms are part of a wider picture, our STI testing page covers NAAT tests for chlamydia, gonorrhoea and trichomonas, and repeated thrush can be linked to blood sugar levels, checked with HbA1c. You can also explore every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is a vaginal swab culture in Chiswick?

The vaginal swab culture is £139 at our Chiswick clinic. It includes the sample, laboratory culture with sensitivities where useful, a private review of the findings with a practitioner, and a GP feedback report on request.

Can this test diagnose bacterial vaginosis?

Culture is not the usual way to diagnose bacterial vaginosis. It is normally identified from symptoms and a simple microscope or pH test, so your practitioner may suggest other options if BV is suspected.

Can I take the swab myself?

In many cases a self-taken swab is suitable and reliable. We will let you know the options when you book.

Why does my thrush keep coming back?

Recurrent thrush can relate to a less common yeast type, hormones, blood sugar or skin irritation. A culture can identify the yeast, and your practitioner can look at the other factors with you.