Cervical swab

Cervical seeding is a laboratory test that takes a sample of mucus or discharge from a woman's cervical canal to identify pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi) and determine their sensitivity to antibiotics, if necessary.

The cervical seeding procedure is usually performed as follows:

1. Preparation: The woman usually lies down on a medical table in a position similar to that of a gynecologic chair exam. The doctor or medical staff will examine the vagina and take a swab from the cervical canal.
2. Sample collection: A special medical brush or wand is used to take the sample, which is inserted into the cervical canal and rotated to collect mucus or secretions. This sample is then placed in a special container for transportation to the laboratory.
3. Laboratory analysis: In the laboratory, the specimen is analyzed to identify the microorganisms present in the specimen. Antibiotic sensitivity testing may also be performed.

A cervical smear can be used to diagnose a variety of infections, including bacterial, viral, and fungal infections that can affect a woman's health. This procedure can be part of a regular gynecological exam or performed when an infection or other gynecological problem is suspected. The results of the test allow the doctor to choose the most appropriate treatment, if necessary.

Indications for the procedure

A cervical smear (cervical smear) may be ordered for women for a variety of indications, including:

1. Regular gynecologic examination: A cervical smear can be part of a regular gynecologic examination, which is recommended for women to monitor the health of the sexual system and detect changes in the cervix.
2. Suspicion of infections: If a woman has symptoms of a vaginal, cervical, or urinary tract infection (e.g., itching, burning, discharge, pain), a cervical smear may be ordered to identify possible pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi) and establish a diagnosis.
3. Preparing for pregnancy: Your doctor may take a cervical swab if a woman is planning a pregnancy or is in the planning stages to rule out infections or other conditions that could affect the pregnancy and the health of the expectant mother and baby.
4. Human papillomavirus (HPV) control: Human papillomavirus may be linked to the development of cervical cancer. Women who are at risk for HPV infection or who have already tested positive for HPV may be referred for a cervical smear to monitor and detect changes in cervical cells.
5. Suspicion of precancerous conditions or cervical cancer: If precancerous changes or cervical cancer are suspected, a cervical smear may be taken for further investigation and diagnosis.

Preparation

Preparing for a cervical smear, or cervical cytology (Papanicolaou Cytology Smear), involves several important steps to ensure accurate results and minimize potential complications. Here are the basic guidelines:

1. Choose the right time for the procedure:

   • It is best to have a smear done outside of your menstruation (period).
   • Avoid performing a swab immediately after intimate contact, using spermicides, lubricants or creams as these can affect the results.

2. Notify your physician of your medical history:

   • Tell your doctor about your reproductive and medical history, such as pregnancy, history of cervical cancer, previous cytology, and possible symptoms or medical conditions.

3. Observe hygienic measures:

   • Wash gently with water and neutral soap before the treatment.
   • Do not use vaginal douches or douche products on the day of the procedure.

4. Prepare for the procedure:

   • The procedure may cause discomfort but is usually not painful. It is performed in a gynecological chair.
   • You can check with your doctor about the details of the procedure and ask questions if you have any concerns.
   • If you feel severe discomfort or soreness, be sure to tell your doctor.

5. Avoid using vaginal medications:

   • For 24-48 hours before the procedure, avoid using vaginal products, including suppositories, creams, or lubricants, as they may affect the test results.

6. Do not consume alcoholic beverages:

   • If possible, refrain from drinking alcohol in the run-up to the procedure, as alcohol can affect the results of the test.

7. Follow your doctor's recommendations:

   • If you are given any individualized instructions from your doctor, be sure to follow them.

8. Be relaxed:

   • It is important to remain calm and relaxed during the procedure.

Technique of the cervical smear

A cervical (cervical) smear is performed for medical purposes to diagnose infections, inflammation, and other conditions of the cervix and vagina. Here is how the procedure is performed:

1. Patient Preparation:

   • The patient should usually lie on her back on a gynecologic chair.
   • The doctor or nurse must wear sterile gloves before performing a swab.

2. Cervical exam:

   • The doctor uses a special gynecologic mirror to examine the cervix and vagina. This allows you to determine the position and condition of the cervix.

3. Swab collection:

   • The doctor takes a sterile instrument called a swab or cervical brush and gently inserts it into the cervical canal of the cervix.
   • The swab is gently rotated or moved in the cervical canal to collect cells and mucus from its surface.
   • A smear may also be taken from the outer surface of the cervix and vagina.

4. Placing the swab in a container:

   • After collecting the specimen, the health care provider places the swab in a special container or test tube, usually with a liquid medium to preserve the specimen.

5. Sending for analysis:

   • The sample is sent to a laboratory for microbiological examination. A culture test is performed to determine the presence of microorganisms such as bacteria or fungi and their sensitivity to antibiotics, if necessary.

6. Completion of the procedure:

   • Once the specimen is collected, the procedure is completed and the patient may be given recommendations for further treatment or follow-up depending on the results of the test.

Microscopic examination of the cervical smear

Performed in a laboratory to evaluate cells and detect abnormalities or changes that may indicate infections, inflammation, pre-tumor conditions, or cervical cancer. Here's how a microscopic examination of a cervical smear is performed:

1. Sample preparation: The collected smear is placed on a glass slide and treated with special methods to fix the cells.
2. Staining: After fixation, the smear is stained with special dyes to highlight cell structures and make them visible on microscopic examination.
3. Microscopic examination: The prepared smear is examined under a microscope in a laboratory by a medical specialist who specializes in cytology. The specialist evaluates the structure and shape of the cells and looks for abnormalities.
4. Evaluation of results: A physician or pathologist analyzes the results of the microscopic examination and draws a conclusion. Results may include the following:
   • A description of the structure and shape of the cells.
   • Identification of abnormalities such as atypical cells.
   • Assessing the degree of inflammation or infection.
   • Identifying signs of pre-tumor changes or cancer.
5. Comments and Recommendations: The physician may provide comments and recommendations based on the results of the analysis. This may include additional diagnostic procedures, treatment, or recommendations for monitoring the patient's condition.

Cervical smear cytogram

This is an analysis of cells taken from the cervix, performed in a laboratory to evaluate the condition of the cells and detect abnormalities. This analysis can be useful in detecting pre-tumor changes, infections, and other conditions of the cervix. The results of a smear cytogram may have the following features:

1. Normal cells: The cytogram of a cervical smear may show normal cervical epithelial cells. These cells usually have a regular structure and size.
2. Abnormal cells: If abnormal cells are found, the cytogram may indicate the presence of changes that may be associated with pre-tumor conditions or cervical cancer. Abnormalities may include atypical squamous epithelial cells or other changes.
3. Infections: A cytogram may also show signs of inflammation or infection, such as changes in cells, inflammatory cells, or signs of bacterial or viral infections.
4. Comments and Recommendations: The physician or pathologist who analyzed the cytogram may provide comments and recommendations based on the results of the analysis. This may include additional diagnostic procedures or treatment recommendations.

It is important to note that the results of the cervical smear cytogram should be analyzed by the physician, and the next steps should be determined depending on the specific results and the patient's clinical history.

Cervical smear in pregnancy

A cervical smear can be performed in pregnancy as well as in non-pregnancy, depending on medical indications. This procedure may be performed for the following purposes during pregnancy:

1. Cervicalmonitoring: Cervical smears can be used to monitor the condition of the cervix during pregnancy. This may be important in detecting a threat of premature delivery or other complications of pregnancy.
2. Diagnosis of infections: A cervical smear can be used to diagnose the exclusion of vaginal and cervical infections such as bacterial vaginosis or infections caused by viruses (e.g. Human papillomaviruses - HPV).
3. HPV monitoring: A cervical smear may be taken to monitor the presence and status of human papillomavirus (HPV) in the event of positive HPV tests.
4. Evaluation of cervical cell changes: In some cases, such as when abnormalities are detected by cervical scraping, the physician may decide to perform a cervical smear to further evaluate cervical cells and identify changes that may be associated with cervical cancer or precancerous conditions.

It is important to realize that taking a cervical smear during pregnancy usually poses no danger to the baby. However, the procedure may only be performed for medical reasons, and the doctor should discuss the purpose and implications of the procedure with the pregnant woman.

Normal performance

Cervical smear values can vary depending on the purpose of the test, laboratory methods, and standards used by the laboratory. The following are common characteristics and normal cervical smear values:

1. Mucosal cells: A cervical smear usually contains cervical and vaginal mucosal cells. A normal smear should contain a variety of cells, including squamous, cylindrical, and transitional epithelial cells.
2. Bacteria: A variety of microorganisms can be present in a normal smear, including normal vaginal flora and lactic acid bacteria (lactobacilli). Normal microflora contributes to vaginal health.
3. Leukocytes: It is normal to have a small number of white blood cells (white blood cells) in a cervical smear. The white blood cell count may vary depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle and other factors.
4. Absence of pathogens: A normal smear usually does not contain a high concentration of pathogenic bacteria, fungi or viruses. However, in some cases, such as inflammatory infections, their presence may be detected.
5. Color and consistency: A normal smear is usually clear or milky white in color and has a mucous consistency.

The deciphering of the cervical smear (Papanicolaou cytologic smear) is performed by a laboratory assistant or pathologist. The results of the test indicate the status of cells and microorganisms in the cervical canal and can be used to determine if pathologic changes are present. Here are some of the possible results and their meanings:

1. Normal result (Negativus or absence of pathology): This means that there is no abnormality or evidence of cancer or precancerous conditions in the specimen. This result is usually referred to as "Pap 1" or "Negativus".
2. Dysplasia or cell changes (Pap 2, Pap 3): These results may indicate the presence of changes in the cells of the cervical canal. Dysplasia can be mild (Pap 2), moderate (Pap 3) or severe (Pap 4). They may be precancerous conditions and may require further evaluation and treatment.
3. Presence of infection (e.g. Vaginal infections, human papillomavirus HPV): This may indicate the presence of an infection in the cervical canal. Depending on the type of infection, additional tests or treatment may be needed.
4. Cell abnormalities (atypical cells): This may mean that atypical cells have been found, but there is not enough data to determine their exact nature. Your doctor may recommend a repeat smear or additional tests.
5. Apositive result for human papillomavirus (HPV): This indicates detection of HPV, which may be associated with cervical cancer. Additional tests may be needed to determine the specific type of HPV and the risk of developing cancer.
6. Theresult is of insufficient quality (e.g. "inadequate" or "insufficient sample"): This may indicate that the swab sample is not of sufficient quality for analysis. In this case, it may be necessary to repeat the smear.

A cervical smear is an important diagnostic method and may contain various elements that can indicate the condition of the cervix and vagina. Here's what certain elements in a cervical smear can mean:

1. Inflammation: If a smear shows an increased number of white blood cells (white blood cells), it may indicate that there is inflammation in the cervix or vagina. Inflammation can be caused by infections such as bacterial vaginosis or vaginal infections.
2. Leukocytes: The presence of a small number of white blood cells in a cervical smear is usually considered normal. However, an elevated white blood cell count can indicate inflammation or infection.
3. Epithelium: The smear may also contain epithelial cells that cover the cervix and vagina. Epithelial cells can help your doctor determine the condition of the tissue and identify abnormalities.
4. Mucus: Mucus in the cervical smear may be a normal component. It has a protective function and may change its character depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle.

It is important to note that interpretation of cervical smear results should be done in the context of the medical indication and clinical situation. An elevated white blood cell count or other changes in the smear may indicate the presence of infection or inflammation, and the physician will perform further testing and prescribe treatment if necessary.

A cervical smear can contain a variety of microorganisms, including different types of bacteria. Here are some of the bacteria that can be found in a cervical smear:

1. Klebsiella bacilli (Klebsiella spp.): This is a genus of bacteria that includes different species. They can be found in different parts of the body, including the gastrointestinal tract and urinary system. The presence of Klebsiella in a smear may be associated with urinary tract infections or other conditions.
2. Streptococcus (Streptococcus spp.): This is a broad genus of bacteria that includes many species. Some of them can be found in the normal microflora of organs, including the cervix. However, certain species of streptococci can cause infections, including urinary tract or throat infections.
3. Staphylococcus aureus (Staphylococcus spp.): This is another genus of bacteria that can be found in a cervical swab. They can also be part of the normal microflora, but certain types of staphylococci can cause infections, including skin infections and other diseases.
4. Escherichia coli (Escherichia coli, or E. Coli): This is a bacterium that often inhabits the human gastrointestinal tract. Its presence in a cervical smear may be associated with urinary tract infections or other problems.

It is important to realize that the presence of these bacteria in the smear does not always indicate infection or disease. Many of them may be present in the normal microflora of the organs.

Complications after the procedure

After the cervical smear procedure (Papanicolaou cytologic smear), most women do not usually experience complications and can continue with their normal activities. However, in some cases, the following temporary or rare complications may occur:

1. Discomfort and light bleeding: After the procedure, some women may experience mild menstrual-like discomfort or light bleeding. These symptoms usually subside after a few hours or days.
2. Short-term discomfort or soreness: Short-term discomfort or even mild pain may occur during the procedure. These symptoms usually disappear quickly after the procedure is completed.
3. Infections: Although rare, there is a risk of infection after the procedure. Watch for signs of infection, such as increased body temperature, pain or redness in the area where the instrument was inserted, and notify your doctor.
4. Allergic reactions: Some women may be allergic to the products used to handle instruments or swabbing products. This is a rare but possible complication. If you are allergic to latex or other materials, tell your doctor before the procedure.
5. Stress and emotional reactions: Some women may experience stress or anxiety before or after the procedure. It is important to maintain emotional well-being and discuss your concerns with your doctor.

Most complications from a cervical smear procedure are minor and short-term. If you experience serious symptoms such as heavy bleeding, severe pain, or signs of infection, see your doctor as soon as possible.

Care after the procedure

After a cervical smear procedure, there is usually no special care required. It is a minimally invasive procedure that usually does not cause serious consequences or discomfort. However, you may want to follow some guidelines for a few hours after the procedure for your own comfort:

1. Avoid vaginal products and showers: Refrain from using vaginal products, spermaticides, showers and intimate hygiene products for several days after the procedure. These products can irritate the vagina.
2. Avoid sexual intercourse: It is recommended that you refrain from sexual intercourse or inserting any objects into the vagina for several days after the procedure.
3. Rest: You may feel more comfortable taking a short rest for a few hours after the procedure, especially if you feel discomfort or mild irritation.
4. Follow your doctor's recommendations: If your doctor has given you any specific instructions after the procedure, follow them exactly. For example, you may be advised to return for an appointment to get your results and discuss next steps.
5. Maintainhygiene: Maintain normal vaginal hygiene by using mild soap and warm water for cleansing.
6. Monitor yourcondition: If you experience severe or prolonged pain, bleeding, fever, severe irritation, or other unusual symptoms after the procedure, be sure to notify your doctor.