Vaginal Culture and Sensitivity Test
Vaginal Culture and Sensitivity Test for Vaginal Discharge
The Vaginal Culture and Sensitivity Test is a private clinic-based vaginal swab test for people experiencing vaginal discharge or symptoms that may be linked to a vaginal infection.
This test uses a vaginal swab sample to culture bacteria and assess antibiotic sensitivity where appropriate. It may help identify markers linked to infection and support further clinical guidance if treatment is required.
Sample type: Vaginal swab
Collection method: In-clinic sample collection
Turnaround time: 3 working days*
Doctor-reviewed results: Yes
Optional GP discussion: Yes
Preparation required: No
What This Test Includes
Vaginal Swab Culture and Sensitivity
A vaginal culture is used to check for bacteria or other organisms that may be associated with vaginal discharge or infection-related symptoms.
Where relevant, sensitivity testing may help assess which antibiotics an identified organism may respond to. This can support appropriate clinical decision-making by a healthcare professional.
Why Choose This Vaginal Culture and Sensitivity Test?
Clinic-Based Vaginal Swab Collection
Your sample is collected in clinic, helping ensure the correct sample type is taken for laboratory culture and sensitivity testing.
Helpful for Vaginal Discharge Concerns
This test may be suitable if you are experiencing unusual vaginal discharge, odour, irritation, discomfort or recurrent symptoms that need further investigation.
Doctor-Reviewed Results
Your laboratory results are reviewed by a doctor, with optional GP discussion available if you would like further guidance after receiving your report.
Private and Confidential Testing
Your appointment, sample and results are handled securely and confidentially by STI Test London.
Who May Consider This Test?
- People experiencing vaginal discharge that may be due to infection
- People with vaginal odour, irritation or discomfort
- Those with recurrent vaginal symptoms
- People advised to have a vaginal culture by a healthcare professional
- Anyone seeking private vaginal infection testing in London
- People who want doctor-reviewed results and optional GP discussion
When Should I Test?
You may consider this vaginal swab culture test when symptoms such as unusual discharge, odour, irritation or discomfort are present. If symptoms are severe, persistent, worsening or accompanied by pelvic pain, fever or bleeding, you should seek medical advice promptly.
Please note: This test is designed to support investigation of possible infection-related vaginal discharge. It does not replace a full medical assessment, and treatment decisions should be made with an appropriate healthcare professional.
Preparation Required
- No fasting required
- No special preparation required
- Please follow any clinic instructions provided at the time of booking
- If you are currently using antibiotics or vaginal treatments, let the clinic know before your sample is collected
Results and Follow-Up
- Secure laboratory results
- Doctor-reviewed report
- Optional GP discussion available
- Results typically available in 3 working days*
- Confidential clinic-based service in London
*Turnaround times are indicative and may occasionally vary depending on laboratory processing times.
Frequently Asked Questions
A vaginal culture and sensitivity test is a laboratory test performed on a vaginal swab sample. It may help identify organisms linked to infection and, where relevant, assess which antibiotics they may respond to.
Yes. This test may be useful when vaginal discharge is suspected to be related to infection. A healthcare professional should interpret your results alongside your symptoms and medical history.
This test focuses on vaginal culture and sensitivity for infection-related discharge concerns. It may not include common STI markers unless they are specifically part of the test panel. If you are concerned about STIs, a dedicated STI screen may also be appropriate.
The sample is collected using a vaginal swab during your clinic appointment. The sample is then sent to the laboratory for culture and sensitivity testing.
Results are typically available within 3 working days, although turnaround times can occasionally vary depending on laboratory processing.
Yes. Your results are doctor-reviewed, and optional GP discussion is available if you would like further support after receiving your report.
No special preparation is usually required. Please tell the clinic if you are taking antibiotics or using vaginal treatments, as this may be relevant to your result interpretation.
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, gender and date of birth.
2. You will initially receive a general confirmation email. This will be followed by an email from our laboratory partner, Randox Health, asking you to book an appointment for your test at the location and time of your choice.
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.
Vaginal Culture and Sensitivity Test