(eSwab)
Swab
2.0 mL
Transport Media: The swab must be immediately placed into the specific buffer or transport medium provided in the manufacturer’s kit to preserve the DNA and stabilize the sample for molecular analysis.
Storage and Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature (2–30°C): Specimens are generally stable for an extended period, often up to 21 to 30 days in the transport medium.
Refrigerated (2–8°C): This is acceptable and often preferred for delayed transport, with similar stability (up to 30 days).
Frozen: Freezing is possible for long-term storage, but some lab protocols for specific commercial tests may list frozen specimens as rejected, so lab-specific instructions should be followed.
Handling: The swab shaft must be broken off at the score line and the cap tightly secured to prevent leakage and evaporation.
Specimens in any transport media other than indicated above. Specimen in MultiTest swab transport media without a swab.
REFRIGERATED
Tue, Thu, Sat
A day after collection
Qualitative Transcription-Mediated Amplification
Molecular
(RML)
Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT)
Vaginitis Panel
Bacterial Vaginosis PCR
BV PCR
Test
Antibiotic Therapy: Current or recent use of antibiotics, especially those effective against anaerobic bacteria (like metronidazole), can significantly reduce the load of BVAB2 and lead to false-negative results.
Topical Agents: Vaginal creams, gels, lubricants, or antiseptics applied before specimen collection can interfere with the PCR chemistry.
Incorrect Swab/Container: Using a non-approved swab type (e.g., cotton) or an expired/incorrect transport medium can inhibit the PCR reaction or lead to rejection.
Inadequate Specimen: Failure to collect sufficient vaginal secretions from the vaginal wall will reduce sensitivity.
Patient Preparation
Patient must be 14 years of age or older.
Specimen Preparation
Place swab in MultiTest Swab Specimen Transport Tube, break shaft at scoreline then recap tube.
BVAB2 is a Marker: BVAB2 is a strong indicator of bacterial vaginosis and is a key target in molecular diagnostic panels for the condition, alongside bacteria like Fannyhessea vaginae and Gardnerella vaginalis. It is rarely tested in isolation.
Quantitative Results: PCR testing for BVAB2 is often quantitative or semi-quantitative, meaning the results indicate the relative abundance of the bacteria, which helps determine the severity of the dysbiosis rather than just a simple positive/negative result.
Observer Independent Diagnosis: Molecular tests for BV markers like BVAB2 offer a reliable, objective, and observer-independent alternative to traditional methods like Gram staining (Nugent score) or Amsel clinical criteria.
Patient-Collected Swabs: Many commercial kits allow for patient-collected vaginal swabs within a clinical setting, which can improve patient comfort and screening rates.
81513
92702-0
