Endocervical gram stain
Alternative names:
gram stain of endocervix
How the test is performed:
A sample is obtained from the lining of the cervical canal (the tissue which lines the canal leading into the uterus). You will be asked to lie on your back with your feet placed in stirrups (devices used to support your feet and help position you in the best way to do the testing). Like a regular pelvic examination, a speculum (an instrument used to stretch open the birth canal in order to better examine some of the pelvic organs) will be inserted into the vagina and opened slightly. The cervix is cleaned so there is no mucus. A dry, sterile swab is then inserted and rotated within the cervical canal. It may be left in place for several seconds to absorb as much of the organism as possible.
The swab is then removed and sent to a laboratory where it will be dragged across a slide. The material on the slide will then be stained. The gram stain is a method used in differential staining of bacteria (identifying specific bacteria).
How to prepare for the test:
Do not douche for 24-hours before the procedure.
Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experience, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:
How the test will feel:
There may be minor discomfort during specimen collection. This procedure feels very much like a routine Pap smear.
Why the test is performed:
The test is used to detect and identify abnormal bacteria in the area involving the cervix. If signs of an infection develop or a sexually transmitted disease (such as gonorrhea) is suspected, this test can help with confirmation and identification of an abnormal organism.
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