General
Lay out the following materials on the instrument table or trolley:
- Sponge forceps [Figure 11].
Dabs away any mucus/discharge/blood using a gauze swab or sponge, if necessary. - Kidney bowl.
Collects used instruments. - Sponges/gauze swabs.
Wipes away any mucus/discharge/blood that may impede the examination. - Cotton buds.
Cleans small amounts of mucus/discharge or blood. - Gloves.
Sterile gloves are usually not essential. Normal examination gloves should suffice. Ensure the gloves fit well as folds make it harder to palpate. - Sanitary towel [Figure 12].
For the patient after examination, if necessary.
Figure 11
Figure 12
Conducting A Smear
- Cotton bud (with bottle of NaCl 0.9% aqueous solution) or cytobrush with gynaecological smear spatula, or Cervix-brush® [Figure 13].
- Glass slides with frosted end.
Can be written on with pencil to note patient information. Ink not to be used as this dissolves in the fixative solution. - Fixative spray/ether-alcohol for fixation.
Figure 13
Examination Of Vaginal DischargeÂ
- In order to make a microscopic slide using NaCl and KOH [Figure 14]:
- Slides and cover slips.
- NaCl 0.9% solution.
- KOH 10-20% solution.
- Spatula/pipette/inoculation loop.
Takes sample of the discharge from the vagina and places it onto the slide.
Figure 14
- pH-indicator strip [Figure 15].
Determines pH value of the discharge.
Figure 15
Taking Chlamydia/Gonorrhoea Sample
- Thick cotton buds/endocervical-brush.
- Chlamydia culture medium, in tube [Figure 16].
- Gonorrhoea transport medium, in tube [Figure 17].
Know which sampling kit to use, how to use it and how to transport specimen.
Figure 16
Figure 17