Your vaginal microbiome collection

Don't change any prescribed or regular medications or supplements without your practitioner's guidance. Where they're happy for you to, follow the timing below.

• 7 days before — Stop taking probiotics, where possible.
• 48 hours before — Complete any short-term prescribed medication (for example, antibiotics).
• 24 hours before — No sexual intercourse.
• Day of collection — No vaginal lotions, creams or emollients, and don't wash the genital area first.

Don't collect while menstruating. Wait until your period has finished. Without these precautions your results may be inaccurate, or a recollection may be needed.

• 2× BD ESwab Collection Tube and swab (white top) — both must be returned
• 1× Specimen transport bag
• 1× i-screen request form & questionnaire
• 1× Collection instructions
• 1× Reply-paid padded return envelope

The tubes contain a preservative liquid. Don't discard it. Avoid contact with your eyes or skin (wash well with water if it happens), and don't inhale or swallow it. Read all the steps before you start, and complete your questionnaire first.

Both swabs are the same and are collected the same way. Wash your hands, then work through the steps below — and repeat them for the second tube.

1. Peel open the package and take out the swab. Hold it by the white application stick at the indentation point — don't touch the soft tip or hold it by the very end.
2. Get comfortable in a position that works for you — sitting on the toilet, squatting, or with one foot raised.
3. Carefully and slowly insert the swab into the vagina until your fingers touch the vulva, then gently rotate it 4 times before removing. If you feel resistance, re-position and try again. If you have any unexpected bleeding, stop and consult your practitioner.
4. Place the swab into the ESwab tube until the pre-moulded break point meets the entry point of the tube, then gently snap it off at the break point so the soft tip stays inside. Discard the handle above the line — don't cut or touch the soft tip.
5. Seal the tube tightly and label it with your name, date of birth and date of collection. Set it aside.
6. Repeat steps 1–5 with the second ESwab tube. Both tubes must be returned — a recollection is needed if only one comes back.

Post your samples the same day you collect. You're returning both ESwab tubes.

1. Place both labelled tubes into the sealable section of the specimen transport bag.
2. Complete your request form and questionnaire, and place them into the non-sealable section of the transport bag.
3. Place the transport bag into the reply-paid padded envelope, and post it the same day via your nearest Australia Post outlet or yellow express post box. Note the tracking number on the envelope if you'd like to track it.

Haven't ordered yet?

Order your Vaginal Microbiome Test kit here, and view results securely in your i-screen dashboard.

How many tubes do I return? Both BD ESwab tubes. If only one is returned, a recollection will be required.

The swab looks discoloured — do I need a new one? No. Discolouration on the soft tip is normal, as the swabs are sterilised using UV light. A new kit isn't needed.

The swab touched another surface — should I recollect? The soft tip shouldn't touch any other surface. If it has, email info@i-screen.com.au to arrange a recollection kit (a fee may apply).

Your results: Once the lab receives both tubes, your results and personalised insights appear in your secure i-screen dashboard, typically within 7 days. We'll email you as soon as they're ready. Any questions before you start? Email us at info@i-screen.com.au.