Culture & Sensitivity, Aerobic Bacteria - Vaginal Sample Includes Gr B Strepto

What Does the Test Measure?

• Presence of Bacteria: Identifies aerobic bacteria such as E. coli, Enterococcus, and GBS.
• Microscopic Findings: Evaluates normal vs abnormal vaginal flora on microscopy.
• Antibiotic Sensitivity: Determines which antibiotics effectively inhibit/kill the detected bacteria.
• Treatment Guidance: Helps clinicians select targeted antibiotics and avoid unnecessary therapy.

Who Needs This Test and Why It’s Done

Symptoms That May Call for Testing

• Unusual, increased, or foul-smelling vaginal discharge
• Vaginal itching, burning, irritation, or pain
• Pain during urination (dysuria) or intercourse (dyspareunia)
• Lower abdominal or pelvic discomfort
• Recurrent vaginal infections
• Symptoms that persist despite treatment

Who Should Get Tested?

• Women with chronic or recurrent vaginal infection symptoms
• Pregnant women when screening for GBS is indicated to reduce neonatal risk
• Patients with suspected antibiotic-resistant infections
• Women with infertility or gynaecological complications potentially linked to infection
• Pre-procedure screening prior to certain gynaecological surgeries or fertility procedures

Why Is This Test Done?

The test identifies the specific bacterial organism(s) causing infection and provides an antibiotic susceptibility profile so treatment can be tailored to the organism’s sensitivity pattern—particularly important in pregnancy, recurrence, or treatment failure.

Importance of the Test

• Enables targeted antibiotic therapy and reduces recurrence risk
• Helps avoid unnecessary antibiotics and supports antimicrobial stewardship
• Supports pregnancy care by detecting GBS colonisation and informing intrapartum management
• Helps differentiate bacterial causes from fungal/parasitic conditions when clinically correlated

Booking & Reports – Metropolis Healthcare

How to Book and Get Your Reports

1. Easy Booking: Book via the Metropolis Healthcare website/app and visit the nearest Metropolis Lab.
2. In-Lab Sample Collection: A trained professional collects the vaginal swab under sterile conditions.
3. Accurate Microbiological Testing: Samples are cultured and analysed using automated microbroth methods.
4. Report Access: Reports are shared via email/WhatsApp and downloadable through the website/app.

Is Home Sample Collection Available?

No. Home sample collection is not available for this test because a vaginal swab requires controlled sterile collection to minimise contamination and ensure accurate culture results.

Reporting Time

Reports are usually available after 4 days once the sample reaches the lab. Note: Reporting time may vary based on your location.

Where Can You Access Results?

You can view/download results from the Metropolis Healthcare website/app, receive them via email or WhatsApp, and obtain a printed copy at the lab if needed.

Interpreting Results

What Your Results May Indicate

Understanding Abnormal Findings

How Should You Prepare?

• Avoid vaginal products: Do not use creams, douches, spermicides, or lubricants for at least 48 hours.
• Avoid antibiotics: Stop antibiotics for 48–72 hours before the test unless your clinician advises otherwise.
• No fasting required: Eat and drink normally.
• Scheduling: Preferably test when not menstruating.
• Pre-visit hygiene: Clean the external genital area with mild soap and water (avoid internal washing/douching).

How Is the Test Done? (Step-by-Step)

1. Positioning: You will lie on an examination table for swab collection.
2. Sample Collection: A sterile swab is gently inserted into the vagina to collect secretions.
3. Transport: The swab is placed into a sterile container and sent to the lab.
4. Culture: The specimen is cultured to detect aerobic bacterial growth.
5. Sensitivity: Identified bacteria are tested against antibiotics to determine effective options.

The collection usually takes a few minutes and is generally well tolerated.

Factors That May Affect Accuracy

• Recent antibiotic use (may suppress growth and produce false-negative culture results)
• Use of vaginal creams/lubricants/douches before collection
• Sample collected during menstruation (may dilute or contaminate sample)
• Suboptimal swab technique or contamination from external skin flora

Conditions This Test Can Help Detect

• Bacterial vaginosis (BV)
• Aerobic vaginitis (AV)
• Group B Streptococcus (GBS) colonisation/infection
• Opportunistic or recurrent vaginal bacterial infections
• Some bacterial sexually transmitted infections (depending on organism and culture conditions)

Culture & Sensitivity – Aerobic Bacteria, Vaginal Sample Test Price in Different Cities

The cost of a Culture & Sensitivity – Aerobic Bacteria, Vaginal Sample Test may vary depending on your location. Here's a table showing the approximate price range for the Culture & Sensitivity – Aerobic Bacteria, Vaginal Sample Test at Metropolis Healthcare in major Indian cities:

The Culture & Sensitivity – Aerobic Bacteria, Vaginal Sample Test cost may vary depending on the city and the specific tests included in the panel. However, Metropolis Healthcare offers competitive Culture & Sensitivity – Aerobic Bacteria, Vaginal Sample Test prices across major cities in India.

References

1. Lamont R.F., et al. (2019). Group B Streptococcus colonisation and infection during pregnancy and the neonatal period. Rev Med Microbiol, 30(2), 47–60. PMID: 31024305
2. Machado A., Cerca N. (2015). Influence of biofilm formation by Gardnerella vaginalis and other anaerobes in bacterial vaginosis. J Infect Dis, 212(12), 1856–1861. PMID: 26085158
3. Muzny C.A., Schwebke J.R. (2016). Pathogenesis of bacterial vaginosis: Discussion of current hypotheses. J Infect Dis, 214(Suppl 1), S1–S5. PMID: 27449869
4. Verani J.R., McGee L., Schrag S.J. (2010). Prevention of perinatal Group B Streptococcal disease. MMWR Recomm Rep, 59(RR-10), 1–36. PMID: 21088663
5. Sobel J.D. (2020). Vulvovaginal infections in adult women. Lancet Infect Dis, 20(2), e97–e107. PMID: 31948708