- Type: Vaginal swab
BV & Thrush Test | Vaginal Infection Swab
Laboratory test
Results by e-mail
Treatment available if needed
BV & Thrush Test
The BV & Thrush Test is a private vaginal swab test designed to help identify common causes of vaginal discharge, odour, itching, irritation and discomfort. This test screens for Candida species, Gardnerella vaginalis and Trichomonas vaginalis.
This thrush and BV test may help determine whether symptoms are linked to fungal, bacterial or parasitic infection, supporting clearer next steps and appropriate medical advice where required.
Sample type: Vaginal swab
Collection method: Self-swab at patient reception
Turnaround time: Results usually within 4 working days*
Doctor-reviewed results: Yes
Optional GP discussion: Yes
Discreet service: Yes
What This Test Checks For
Vaginal Swab
This vaginal swab screens for Candida species, which are commonly associated with vaginal thrush. Thrush may cause itching, soreness, irritation and thick white vaginal discharge.
This test checks for Gardnerella vaginalis, a bacterium commonly linked with bacterial vaginosis. BV may be associated with a fishy odour and thin grey or white discharge.
This swab screens for Trichomonas vaginalis, a sexually transmitted infection that may cause frothy discharge, irritation, soreness or discomfort when passing urine.
Why Choose This Vaginal Infection Test?
Helps Differentiate Thrush, BV and Trichomonas
Thrush, bacterial vaginosis and Trichomonas can cause overlapping symptoms. Laboratory testing may help identify which infection is present, rather than relying on symptoms alone.
Suitable for Vaginal Discharge, Odour or Irritation
This test may be suitable if you are experiencing unusual vaginal discharge, itching, soreness, irritation, odour or discomfort.
Self-Swab at Patient Reception
Your vaginal swab is collected privately at patient reception. Clear instructions and all required materials are provided during your visit.
Doctor-Reviewed Results
Your laboratory results are reviewed by a clinician, with optional GP discussion available if further support or guidance is required.
Please note: This test focuses on common vaginal infections and does not provide a full STI screen. Separate STI testing may be recommended depending on symptoms, exposure and individual risk factors.
Who May Consider This Test?
- People with unusual vaginal discharge
- People experiencing vaginal itching, irritation or soreness
- People concerned about vaginal odour
- People with recurrent thrush or BV symptoms
- People with discomfort when passing urine where vaginal infection is possible
- People seeking private testing for thrush, BV and Trichomonas
When Should I Test?
Testing is usually most useful when symptoms are present, although some people choose testing for reassurance or because symptoms keep returning.
Candida Species, also known as Thrush
- No fixed incubation period
- Testing is most appropriate when symptoms are present
- Symptoms may include itching, soreness, irritation and thick white discharge
Gardnerella Vaginalis, commonly linked with BV
- No fixed window period
- Testing is usually most appropriate when symptoms develop
- Symptoms may include fishy odour and thin grey or white discharge
Trichomonas Vaginalis
- Testing is commonly considered from around 7-14 days after possible exposure
- Symptoms may include frothy discharge, irritation or discomfort when passing urine
- If testing early and concern remains, repeat testing may sometimes be advised
Medical advice: If symptoms are severe, persistent, recurrent, or associated with pelvic pain, fever, bleeding or pregnancy, prompt medical assessment is recommended.
How Sample Collection Works
- Your vaginal swab is completed privately at patient reception.
- You will be given clear instructions and the required swab materials.
- The sample is then sent to the laboratory for testing.
- Your results are reviewed by a clinician before being shared securely.
Results & Follow-Up
- Secure confidential results
- Doctor-reviewed laboratory report
- Results usually available within 4 working days*
- Optional GP discussion available
- Clear guidance provided where appropriate
If Candida, Gardnerella vaginalis or Trichomonas vaginalis is detected, you may be advised on appropriate next steps. Treatment decisions should be made with suitable medical guidance, especially if symptoms are recurrent, severe or persistent.
*Turnaround times are indicative and may occasionally vary depending on laboratory processing times.
Change to Home Test Kit
Test from home instead of visiting a clinic. Click here to order the home test kit version.
Frequently Asked Questions
This test checks for Candida species linked with thrush, Gardnerella vaginalis commonly linked with bacterial vaginosis, and Trichomonas vaginalis.
Thrush and BV can cause different symptoms, but they may overlap. Thrush is often linked with itching, soreness and thick white discharge, while BV is often linked with a fishy odour and thin discharge. Testing may help identify the likely cause.
Yes. Both may cause discharge, irritation or discomfort. Because symptoms can overlap, a vaginal swab test can help guide more appropriate next steps.
Bacterial vaginosis is not usually classified as a sexually transmitted infection, although sexual activity can influence the balance of vaginal bacteria. If STI exposure is possible, additional STI testing may be recommended.
Yes. This test includes Trichomonas vaginalis, an infection that can cause frothy discharge, irritation and discomfort when passing urine.
Trichomonas vaginalis is commonly detectable from around 7-14 days after exposure, although timing can vary. If you test early and still have concerns, repeat testing may sometimes be advised.
No. Some people choose testing because symptoms are mild, intermittent or recurrent. Testing is generally most useful when symptoms such as discharge, odour, itching or irritation are present.
No. This test focuses on Candida species, Gardnerella vaginalis and Trichomonas vaginalis. It does not include a full STI screen for infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV or syphilis.
Yes. Your results are reviewed by a doctor, and optional GP discussion is available if further guidance is needed.
All laboratories need information regarding the client to uniquely identify their test sample.
Without these details, tests cannot be processed.
The minimum requirement is the full name, gender and date of birth.
You can enter these details securely at the top before you click 'Add to cart'.
1. Purchase test online with full name and date of birth.
2. Receive an email with either a request form and the address of our London Wimpole Street location, or a booking link to schedule your test at another location more convenient for you.
3. You will recieve a text message notification when your results are ready. They will be sent to you discreetly by email.
4. In the event of a positive test result, we provide STI treatment if needed.
Treatment for positive tests for some bacterial infections is available by payment of a £49 prescription fee.
A prescription token is then sent to you by email and SMS. You can take this to any pharmacy and have your medication dispensed. Alternatively, you can have the medication delivered to you. Typical pharmacy costs for one antibiotic is approximately £10-15 but can be more for certain antibiotics.
BV & Thrush Test | Vaginal Infection Swab
Your Health, Our Priority
Confidential
We understand the importance of discretion when it comes to STI testing. Your personal information and results are kept 100% confidential.
Rapid STI Results
Avoid long NHS waits for your STI results. Some results are available same day, or just 1-3 days.
STI Treatment Available
In the event of a positive test result, our doctors provide STI treatment ensuring comprehensive care when you need.
Reviews
Lovely nurses
Lovely nurses
Timely email responses
Walk in opportunity
Quick turnaround for blood test results
Great experience
Lovely, well trained staff and quick wait for my appointment
Fantastic service
Fantastic service. Cost effective. Your health in your hands. No waiting for appointments.
Easy and well streamlined process
Easy and well streamlined process. Results returned in two working days. Efficient phlebotomists with clear understanding of safety procedures.
F.A.Q.s
Yes, you can by choosing to get tested in London at Patient Reception on Wimpole Street. Pay for your test online and you can then attend during opening hours without an appointment.
Yes, you can choose to do your test at our numerous locations, including London, across the UK & Ireland. We'll send you a link to book your appointment.
Check the product description for each test. It will give you an indication when results will be available. Results take 2 working days on average for most tests and are emailed to you.