The health care provider will obtain a tissue sample from the lining of the cervical canal (the opening to the uterus). You lie on your back with your feet in stirrups. As in a regular pelvic examination, a speculum (an instrument used to stretch open the vagina in order to better examine some of the pelvic organs) will be inserted and opened slightly. The cervix is cleaned so there is no mucus. A dry, sterile swab is then inserted and rotated in the cervical canal. It may be left in place for several seconds to absorb as many of the organisms as possible. The swab is then removed and sent to a laboratory, where it will be smeared on a slide. A series of stains called a gram stain is applied to the specimen. A laboratory technician examines the stained smear under the microscope for the presence of bacteria. The color, size, and shape of the cells help identify the type of bacteria. | 
Tests
