Sample Collection

Before collecting your sample I recommend you read through Sample Preparation and decide which technique you are going to use so you have your slide prepared correctly before getting your sample. I advise that you have a glass slide ready to apply the collected sample to prior to starting this. You don't want to have to set down your sample and risk contamination while you get a glass slide. Be sure to only touch the glass slide and slide cover along the edges. You can also use gloves to keep things extra clean but it is not required for at home imaging. Its your biota after all. Just be careful to not put your fingers directly onto the glass slide face or the slide covers as doing so will introduce oils and other bacteria essentially ruining your sample.

  1. Get a new cotton tipped applicator (see the Materials for more information if you haven't already) out of its package.

My wife recommends that you check the wooden shaft of the applicator for any splinters as sometimes there are small ones that may catch and we don't want to make an already uncomfortable procedure any worse.

  1. Insert it into your vagina at least 3 inches (~8 cm) deep. Be careful to not touch the labia as you insert the swab as this area may have other contaminants that are not present inside of your vagina. Once inserted rotate it around inside of your vagina for approximately 15 seconds being sure to rub it against the vaginal walls. If you ever did a COVID test its the same technique here. You can then remove the applicator (again be careful to not touch any exterior skin) and move on to Sample Preparation.