If not already filled in, complete the test request form. Make sure the sample date is completed.

Using a ball point pen fill in the sample label with:

• Your First name
• Your Surname
• Your Date of birth
• Sample type: Vaginal

Don’t stick it onto the tube.

Wash hands using soap and water and dry them.

Take the swab specimen collection tube and apply your completed label vertically to the tube like this.

Place the tube upright, remove the cap and put it foil side up, to one side. 

Take care not to spill any of the liquid the tube contains.

Do not touch or pierce the foil top of the lid. 

Take the swab out of its packaging and use one hand to hold the plastic shaft in the middle at the black line.

With your legs apart, use your other hand to gently spread the skin outside your vagina. 

Insert the cotton tip of the swab into the vagina. Point the tip towards your lower back and relax your muscles.

Gently insert the swab about 5 cm into your vagina. Your fingers on the black line will stop you going in too far. If the swab does not slide easily, gently rotate it as you put it in. 

If it is too difficult, do not continue.  

Rotate the swab for 5 seconds (count to 5 slowly), making sure it touches the walls of your vagina.  Carefully pull out the swab. 

Carefully put the swab into the collection tube. Holding the tube steady, snap the stick off at the black line.

Discard the stick end of the swab in a bin, leaving the cotton end in the liquid. Screw the cap back onto the tube tightly. 

Follow the instructions included in your kit to take other samples or to complete the process for returning your samples. If returning your sample by post please make sure you have written down the tracking code.