Test: Urethral Swab. Prices, Reviews, Ratings
Many men delay visiting specialists, citing discomfort during testing. In reality, a urethral swab is a common, painless medical procedure.
Importance of Urethral Swab Collection
Urethral examination is part of urogenital system diagnostics. This test identifies nonspecific pathologies impairing reproductive organ function.
A urethral flora swab confirms conditions such as:
- cystitis (confirming abnormal bladder processes);
- urethritis (detecting infection of urethral walls by harmful bacteria and viruses);
- prostatitis (assessing prostate damage severity).
It’s also worth noting that a bacteriological swab is the best method for diagnosing urogenital tumors and urethral inflammation. However, men most often visit specialized centers upon noticing signs of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Indications for a urethral swab include pain during urination or intercourse, genital swelling, fever, and unusual penile discharge.
Such symptoms may indicate syphilis, gonorrhea, mycoplasmosis, or chlamydia. To confirm an initial diagnosis, a urologist may order additional PCR diagnostics, culture studies, or an anal swab.
Procedure for Urethral Swab Collection
It’s important to know that swab collection is painless (unless inflammation or urethral swelling is present). At the first sign of urethral issues, consult specialists (urologists, dermatovenereologists, or infectious disease experts).
Preparation
The swab is taken quickly and simply, requiring no complex equipment or anesthesia. Preparation is standard for such procedures.
Before testing, men should:
- avoid urination (2–3 hours before the visit);
- abstain from sexual activity (1–2 days prior);
- limit medication use to avoid skewing results.
Hygiene is best performed the evening before, washing genitals with plain soap and water.
Swab Collection
During the initial visit, the doctor examines the urethra and collects a patient history. A flora swab is recommended if disease signs or complaints about sexual or urinary changes are present.
Before collection, the doctor instructs the patient to thoroughly wash the penis, anus, and perineum. After hygiene, the areas are rinsed with water and patted dry with special wipes.
A common myth is the risk of infection from unsterile tools. In reality, only new, sterile instruments are used.
A urological genital probe is inserted 2–3 cm into the penis’s external opening. For a quality swab, the Volkmann spoon is rotated twice around its axis within the urethra. The sample is then placed in a sterile numbered tube or smeared onto a special slide.
To minimize discomfort, circulation may be enhanced via urethral massage or prostate palpation, enlarging the organ and opening for sampling.
If collected during inflammation, mild discomfort may persist for a few hours. A small percentage of men (5–10%) report burning, penile head pain, or a foreign body sensation in the urethra.
Indications
Urethral swab collection is mandatory for men and women suspected of having infections affecting the reproductive system, as well as for STD symptoms or suspected oncological conditions.
For women, a flora swab is needed for frequent lower abdominal discomfort, pregnancy planning, or signs of urinary tract inflammation. The procedure slightly differs but follows a similar principle.
Test Interpretation
Urethral health is assessed by flora condition. The doctor first examines microorganism types and concentrations that could cause disease, comparing results to norms.
- Leukocytes. A standard value is five per field of view. Higher counts indicate urethral inflammation, with causes like neutrophils (acute urethritis) or eosinophils (allergy) identified.
- Microflora. Single cocci are permissible; higher numbers require further testing.
- Mucus. Lipoid bodies in the swab suggest prostate issues or spermatorrhea. Note that a urethral swab won’t detect mycoplasmosis, genital herpes, or ureaplasmosis—additional tests are needed.
- Epithelium. Evaluated alongside leukocytes; over 10 cells per field of view indicate leukoplakia or chronic urethritis.
Erythrocytes in the flora are a separate indicator, typically signaling trauma.
Normal urethral swab values include:
- Trichomonas, gonococci — absent;
- mucus — moderate amount permissible;
- leukocytes — up to 5 per field of view;
- epithelium — up to 10 parts in the swab.
Special attention is given to conditionally pathogenic bacteria (e.g., cocci), which should be minimal in men.
Prices and Clinics
Urethral swabs can be taken at most specialized clinics. On the portal, you’ll find a list of top clinics equipped with necessary tools and labs for male urogenital testing.
Схожі новини:
