○ If Trichomonas vaginalis detection required, an additional specimen must be submitted (See: Trichomonas vaginalis) and transported to the laboratory within 15 minutes of collection
○ If Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Chlamydia trachomatis detection is required, see: Gonorrhoea & Chlamydia - detection
○ Vaginal swabs are only appropriate specimens for routine screening for bacterial vaginosis and not routine culture.
○ Laboratory diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis has not been validated for pre-pubertal and post-menopausal patients and the interpretation of the Gram stain result needs to take this into account.