In shortThe flora swab is microscopy of genital tract discharge: leukocytes (is there inflammation), epithelium and flora composition. In women, bacilli (lactobacilli) dominate in the norm; a rise of cocci, clue cells and fungi are signs of imbalance. The swab complements PCR but does not replace it.
What this panel covers
Swab microscopy is the fastest way to answer “is there inflammation”. The lab counts leukocytes per field of view and evaluates epithelium, mucus and the character of the flora.
Women use vaginal cleanliness grades: I–II are normal (lactobacilli dominate), III–IV are imbalance or inflammation. In men the swab is taken from the urethra: over 5 leukocytes per field means urethritis. Note: the swab sees inflammation, while its cause is found by PCR and culture.
Diagnostic methods
| Method | What it shows | When it is used |
|---|---|---|
| Leukocytes | The number of inflammation cells | Normal: vagina/urethra up to 10, cervical canal up to 30, male urethra up to 5 |
| Flora | Bacilli (normal in women) or cocci (imbalance) | Composition assessment: lactobacilli versus opportunists |
| Clue cells, fungi, trichomonads | Specific findings | Clue cells — bacterial vaginosis; fungi — candidiasis; trichomonads — an STI |
| PCR and culture | The cause of inflammation | Ordered with inflammation in the swab or complaints |
How to prepare
Women: not during menstruation, no suppositories, creams or douching for 1–2 days. Men: no urination 1.5–2 hours before. Details: Preparation: swab.
Reading the result
| Result | What it means |
|---|---|
| Many bacilli, leukocytes normal | Normal (cleanliness grades I–II) |
| Many cocci, leukocytes elevated | Imbalance or inflammation — the doctor adds PCR/culture |
| Clue cells | Bacterial vaginosis — treated by a gynecologist |
| Fungi (Candida) | Candidiasis — treated with symptoms; carriage without complaints is discussed with the doctor |
| Trichomonads | An STI — both partners are treated |
When a retest makes sense
After treatment the swab is controlled in 2–4 weeks. Routine testing before gynecological procedures — as prescribed.
Which specialist to see
A positive or doubtful result is reviewed by: Gynecologist, urologist, dermatologist-venereologist.
Several markers on your report?
The app reads your whole report — this marker together with its neighbors, not one by one.
Frequently asked questions
Leukocytes 15–20 in the swab — inflammation?
The vaginal norm is up to 10, the cervical canal up to 30, so the site matters (V, C or U on the report). Values slightly above normal without complaints are reviewed with the doctor — sometimes a normal variant.
Fungi in the swab but no complaints — treat?
A small amount of Candida without symptoms is carriage; the treatment decision is made by the doctor considering complaints and plans (pregnancy, surgery).
How does the swab differ from PCR?
The swab shows the inflammation itself and the overall flora balance; PCR finds a specific pathogen by DNA. They complement each other: the swab answers “is there a problem”, PCR — “who is to blame”.
Sources
- MedlinePlus — Vitamin A test — MedlinePlus (medlineplus.gov). Accessed: September 17, 2026.
- MedlinePlus — Vitamin A test — MedlinePlus (medlineplus.gov). Accessed: September 17, 2026.