Vaginal swab - sexual abuse/toxic shock/children

Detection of genitourinary pathogens in instances of sexual abuse or toxic shock in children
Microbiology
Bacteriology
○ Vaginal swab
Other Information
○ Culture is the preferred testing method to identify genitourinary pathogens in children (PCR testing not recommended)

○ Vaginal specimens are not optimal to diagnose gonorrhea in women. Vaginal swabs should only be used to screen for sexually transmitted diseases due to presumed sexual abuse or assault in preteen-aged girls
○ Vaginal swab
○ Collect swabs of vaginal discharge or secretions from the posterior vaginal vault or vaginal orifice and transport the swab to the laboratory in Amies transport medium.
Refer to section Sample Processing / Delivery
In-house
○ Up to 72 hours
416-586-4800 extension 4638
NO
○ Label specimen container. Place specimens in biohazard bag and seal.

○ Transport to the UHN/SH Microbiology Laboratory immediately after collecting specimen to ensure organism viability. Maintain specimen at room temperature (20-25˚C), if a delay of more than 2 hours in transport is anticipated, refrigerate at 2-8˚C.