How to give a culture from the cervical canal. Bacterial culture from the cervical canal (bacteriological culture). Uterine fibroids: symptoms

Women's genital area- this is a special mechanism that can be influenced by even the most insignificant external factors. Elementary hypothermia often becomes the cause of the development of a number of unpleasant and dangerous pathologies. In order to promptly detect their presence, the gynecologist prescribes a tank culture from cervical canal.

Such research is not always carried out, but only under conditions of ineffectiveness of other diagnostic procedures, and also to confirm preliminary diagnosis. Why is manipulation needed, and how long do you need to wait for results? Let's try to figure it out.

What is a tank culture from the cervical canal

The procedure involves taking a sample biological material from the walls of the vagina for its further clinical trial. It is performed if there is a suspicion of infectious diseases of the genital organs in women. The goal is to determine exactly what type of pathogenic microflora caused the ailments and alarming symptoms in female patients.

What is a cervical canal scraping? By using cotton swab or a special sterile gynecological instrument, the doctor carefully takes the material for examination. The stick is placed in a special flask, which prevents foreign microorganisms from attaching to the sample taken.

Sometimes a gynecologist can place a smear on a sterile glass, which is then sent to a laboratory for testing. After the analysis, the doctor confirms or denies the presence of a bacterial or fungal infection, and can also judge what could have caused the patient’s illness.

What does tank seeding show?

It is very important to understand what a smear on a culture tank shows. This will help you understand the features of decrypting the received data. So, when performing an analysis you can find:

• enterococci;
• Escherichia coli;
• leukocyte cells;
• epithelial cells;
• chlamydia;
• Trichomonas;
• various fungi;
• gonococci;
• mucous impurities, etc.

Fact. Culture from the cervical canal is one of the most informative and important clinical procedures, with the help of which pathologies that are extremely dangerous to a woman’s health are detected. Based on the data obtained, the results are deciphered and a strategy is developed. further treatment current illness.

Indications for tank seeding

Culture analysis in gynecology is carried out exclusively when indicated, but from time to time it can also be performed in for preventive purposes. Indications for performing such a test may include:

• pregnancy planning;
• the presence of inflammatory processes in the cervix;
• infectious diseases genitals;
• detection pathogenic flora in a smear from the cervical canal;
• increased level of leukocytes in an ordinary smear;
• frequent relapses of chronic inflammatory or infectious gynecological pathologies.

A tank seeding from the vagina involves placing representatives of pathogenic microflora in a certain nutrient medium. It is different for each type of bacteria or fungus, as is the time required for germination. After this process is completed, the laboratory worker counts the number of bacterial colonies (cells), then records the data obtained on a special form. The results are interpreted by a gynecologist.

Preparation for the procedure and interpretation of data

The patient needs to be well prepared for vaginal bacterial culture. To do this, you must comply certain rules. Neglecting them can lead to unreliable data, which means that the analysis will have to be repeated.

So how to prepare for a cervical canal test? Follow these guidelines:

• the day before the scheduled procedure, you must stop douching;
• do not use vaginal suppositories, including hormonal contraceptives;
• give up sexual contacts one day before the study;
• within 48 hours after colposcopy, culture from the urethra in women is not given.

Note. If you took antibiotics or other strong drugs before the test medications, then the passage of the sowing tank must be postponed to another day. Under the influence of antimicrobial drugs, the properties of biological material from the cervical canal change somewhat, which may lead to false results research.

What results are not normal?

Those test results according to which enterobacteria were detected in a smear in women are considered unfavorable. These are microorganisms that often infect the human intestines. If they get on the mucous membranes of the genital organs, quite unpleasant symptoms can occur: pain in the lower abdomen, increased body temperature, abundant mucous, purulent, bloody issues and etc.

However, the list of pathogenic bacteria does not end there, so serious problems The presence in a smear may indicate health problems:

• coli;
• yeast fungi in large quantities;
• different types staphylococcus;
• bacteria citrobacter;
• Proteus bacteria;
• gonococci;
• trichomonas;
• gardnerell;
• leptothrix.

Be careful! The presence of diphtheroids in the smear should be of particular concern. It indicates the development of vaginal dysbiosis, which is accompanied by itching, burning of the genitals, pain in the lower abdomen, and deterioration of well-being. This disease is similar to intestinal dysbiosis, and although it is considered relatively safe, the disorder normal microflora vagina can have extremely serious consequences.

Some pathogenic microorganisms are not detected during culture of the cervical canal for flora. In this case, the polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, method is used.

Data decryption

To begin with, let's figure out how much it takes to smear the flora and culture the culture medium. In the first case, the results can be prepared either within a few hours or within a couple of days. It directly depends on employment medical personnel.

The same cannot be said for bacterial culture. Its results are issued 5 days from the date of submission of the material for research. During this time, the bacteria will have time to grow, which will enable the laboratory assistant to indicate their exact number. These data are important for prescribing therapy for the patient.

Now a little about decoding the received data. In healthy women, there are no fungi in the smear, and the level of lacto- and bifidobacteria is at least 10 to 7 degrees. The norm for E. coli is 1 to 2 CFU. The presence of single enterococci is allowed.

Why is bacterial culture needed during pregnancy?

A smear from the cervical canal during pregnancy is a mandatory procedure, which is necessarily followed by a culture culture. This helps in as soon as possible detect this or that disease (if it exists) and promptly treat it. But many mothers are concerned about the question: will such a procedure harm the fetus? Will the doctor cause an infection with gynecological instruments while taking biological material for research?

It’s worth saying right away: this manipulation should not cause any concerns. The doctor collects the sample using disposable plastic instruments that are included in the kit gynecological kit. You can purchase it at any pharmacy adjacent to the clinic, and not only.

Why is it necessary to perform a culture from the cervical canal during pregnancy? During this period of a woman’s life, the most optimal conditions. The immune system expectant mother weakens, and hormonal levels change, which often becomes the cause of the development of inflammatory and infectious processes.

In order to detect pathology in a timely manner, the doctor prescribes the patient a referral for a culture tank from the cervical canal during pregnancy. Over the course of 9 months, developing diseases seriously threaten the child’s health, so the sooner they are detected and treated, the less dangerous the complications will be for the fetus and the mother herself.

Today, tank culture from the cervical canal is one of the most convenient tests aimed at studying the microflora of the female genital organs. It helps in diagnosing various inflammatory processes and diseases, allowing the doctor to prescribe the most effective treatment.

Unlike other tests of this kind, bacterial culture from the cervical canal allows you to study the reaction of bacteria and viruses to resistance to antibiotics. This sowing option is carried out using two methods: the standard disk method and the diffusion method. In the first case, special disks soaked in antibiotic concentrate are lowered into a container with microorganisms grown in a nutrient medium.

In the second case, the vaginal culture is tested for sensitivity to the antibiotic using paper strips on which the drug is applied. It is important to know that antibiotics taken by the patient within a month before the start of the study greatly distort the result. Such facts must be reported to the doctor before the culture is performed.

In addition, experts prescribe for patients with various forms vulvovaginitis, as well as when gram-negative diplococci are detected in a gynecological smear of a pregnant woman.

Decoding the culture tank from the cervical canal

How accurately and completely the deciphering of the culture tank from the cervical canal will be carried out directly depends on the experience and qualifications of both the laboratory technician who conducted the study and the doctor. Tank culture allows you to determine the presence, degree of growth and quantity of pathogenic microorganisms. Positive result analysis is marked in four different degrees:

• 1st – poor growth of bacteria, observed only on a liquid nutrient medium;
• 2nd – growth of bacteria of one species (numbering up to 10 colonies) on a solid nutrient medium;
• 3rd – from 10 to 100 colonies on a dense medium;
• 4th – more than 100 colonies.

The definition of the first and second degrees means increased contamination of the vaginal microflora, and the third and fourth clearly indicate that the inflammatory process was caused by this particular type of bacteria.

The reasons for the result of the 1st and 2nd degrees may be violations hormonal levels, metabolic problems, poor attitude to personal hygiene, weakened immunity, changes in the vaginal microflora after taking anti-inflammatory and antibacterial drugs, as well as the presence of inflammatory processes in other organs of the genitourinary system.

How to donate a tank culture from the cervical canal

Before donating a culture tank from the cervical canal, you must remember that the day before the analysis, douching and sexual intercourse are excluded, and the administration of any medications and hygiene products in the vagina. These include candles, ointments, creams, deodorants, etc.

Biological material is collected directly from the cervix, which is also called the cervical canal. To take the material, a thin probe is inserted and plunged into the canal approximately 0.5-1.5 cm. Despite the fears of patients, especially pregnant women, this is not painful and does not threaten the child in any way, because the cervical canal is quite long and its epithelium is quite elastic.

A smear from the cervical canal is effective method identifying oncological pathologies in one of the most vulnerable areas - in the cervix, and in the very early stages. Unlike the wall of the main organ - the uterus, the cervix consists of tissue containing great amount collagen fibers, and there are very few elastic fibers in the neck. Due to its low elasticity, the neck is more often exposed to various erosive lesions, and therefore the risk of the formation of a protective layer. In turn, it is precisely this pseudo-protection that can become the basis for squamous cell oncology.

Study (analysis) of discharge from the cervical canal in gynecological practice produced for the purpose of identifying cells malignant tumor, detection of protozoa (Trichomonas) and flora (gonococci, etc.), in obstetric practice - for the purpose of diagnosing early rupture amniotic sac. Cell detection malignant neoplasms - reliable sign nature of the process. Detection of drops of fat, vellus hair, “scales” indicates (in 99-100% of cases) early discharge of amniotic fluid.

Indications of a smear from the cervical canal

Ideally, every representative of the fair sex should undergo such an analysis annually, starting from the moment they enter into sexual relations. Regular examination must be carried out either on the recommendation of the observing gynecologist, or on your own initiative.

Preparation

Almost everything gynecological examinations, including such things as a smear from the cervical canal, require one or another preparation from the woman. The preparation rules are quite simple. In order not to disturb physiological state, the picture the day before the procedure is all excluded intimate contacts, you should also not use tampons, special suppositories, or douche. If a woman is undergoing treatment that includes internal local therapy, then a smear from the cervical canal is prescribed only after three to four weeks after the end of treatment. Compliance with such conditions will be the key to the effectiveness of the study.

Technique for performing a smear from the cervical canal

A smear from the cervical canal is needed after the initial examination. If the doctor visually determines erosive disorders of the cervical tissue, mandatory A cervical smear will be prescribed. A smear is taken from the erosive zone, and then for the purpose of prevention and risk neutralization from the cervical zone. The smear is taken with a special gynecological spatula. The material for the study is taken quite deeply so that as much as possible can be analyzed. epithelial tissue. In young ladies, a smear from the cervical canal is taken using a more gentle method, since the tissues are more elastic and vulnerable.

Normal indicators

There are five stages of performance - from normal to serious pathology:

• If there are no abnormalities or abnormalities, then they speak of normal cytology;
• There are changes caused by inflammation. This is very close to normal, but requires not only treatment, but also a repeat analysis - a smear;
• There are a small number of changed cells. In this case, additional biopsy diagnostics (tissue biopsy) will be prescribed;
• There are some cells that have malignant abnormalities. Will be appointed comprehensive research;
• There are a large number of changed cells. The diagnosis, unfortunately, is disappointing - an oncological process.

Like others specific tests, such studies can only be “read” and correctly interpreted by a doctor. Self-study the form will lead to nothing except what will arise anxiety, and not reasoned real facts. Age, health status, gestational age, accompanying illnesses– all this is taken into account in a comprehensive manner when deciphering the smear.

Cervical smear is real effective method prevention and early detection oncological diseases. However, a smear will not be able to show with the same accuracy the condition of other, also vulnerable areas. female body. Therefore, at the slightest suspicion of pathology, an examination with a colposcope is prescribed. A smear from the cervical canal is effective as a research method only in women under 65 years of age.

A tank culture from the cervical canal (smear) is a study of the mucous membrane of the cervix, which is carried out if the presence of inflammatory processes in the female genital organs is suspected. The purpose of diagnostics is to identify the number of pathogenic and beneficial microorganisms populating the microflora of the canal.

This analysis is preceded by a preliminary general sterile smear from the vagina, in which dead leukocytes and harmful bacteria are detected.

What does culture from the cervical canal reveal?

Cervical canal healthy woman sterile, but when contacted pathogenic bacteria inflammation of its walls develops.

This is facilitated different reasons– lack of hygiene, violation metabolic processes, hormonal disbalance. Often, diseases of the genitourinary organs spread to the cervical canal, causing its inflammation. The degree of pathology depends on immunity and the type of infection.

Bacterial culture accurately identifies pathogens that caused a malfunction in a woman’s body.

These include pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic infections such as:

• streptococcus;
• staphylococcus;
• gonococcus;
• Proteus;
• E. coli in quantities exceeding the norm;
• Trichomonas;
• yeast fungi.

Bacterial culture from the cervical canal is a procedure that may be prescribed during a routine annual examination as a preventive measures. And also for chronic recurrent inflammation of the genitourinary system and increased leukocytes in the blood.

The main reason higher level leukocytes in genitourinary system– diseases of the pelvic organs: adnexitis, endometritis, cervicitis, oophoritis, vaginitis.

Detection of pathogenic microflora makes it possible to determine anti-inflammatory or antiviral drug, capable of destroying the pathogen and prescribing effective treatment.

Two types of bacteria “live” on the mucous membrane of the cervical canal: opportunistic and pathogenic. The first type includes microorganisms that normal quantity are part of the microflora.

Their number is regulated beneficial bacteria, dying when immunity decreases.

In this case opportunistic organisms begin to actively multiply and corrode the walls of the shell, causing inflammation.

Pathogenic bacteria is an infection that enters the body from external environment.

Tank culture from the cervical canal during pregnancy

During pregnancy bacterial culture cervical canal is one of the important laboratory research.

The cervical canal is a part of the cervix in which a large number of microbes accumulate that can harm the unborn child.

Detection of the disease on early stage makes it possible to immediately begin treatment and guarantee birth healthy baby on time.

When registering, pregnant women undergo a routine vaginal smear. Detecting anomalies in a list of outcome measures expectant mother in labor sent to additional research cervical canal.

In pregnant women, the cervical canal reaches a length of 3–4 cm, the length of the cervix is ​​up to 2 cm. Both ends of the pharynx are closed and represent a protective barrier for the fetus.

The collection of material is carried out only by an experienced professional, which guarantees the safety of the procedure and does not pose a threat to the life of the fetus.

Decoding the culture tank from the cervical canal

A woman receives the results of a smear 4-6 days after submitting the material. During this period, colonies of bacteria grow. The resulting form indicates all microorganisms that populate the lining of the cervical canal.

The norm is the presence of leukocytes and fungi in moderate amount, lacto- and bifidobacteria (107 CFU/mg, which corresponds to 300-400 million/g), creating a protective acidic environment. Escherichia coli Normally the number is up to 102 enterococci.

Important indicator in transcript– the number of bacteria indicating the degree of cleanliness of the cervical canal. In a contaminated mucosal environment there is minimal amount microorganisms growing in a liquid medium.

This category includes the minimum number of “resistant” bacteria that can develop in a dense environment (no more than 10 colonies). During development inflammatory process The smear contains bacteria capable of multiplying in a dense environment (up to 100 colonies).

Price

On average, prices for delivery of a sowing tank in Russia range from 800 to 1,400 rubles.

• Bacteria are detected using modern automated methods using new technologies. The sensitivity of the pathogen to antibiotics is determined by microbiological analyzers.
• The next stage is the selection of a drug depending on the identified pathogen. The results of the study are given to patients in accordance with standards that help the attending physician to easily navigate the information provided and make the correct conclusion.

How is a culture taken from the cervical canal?

The analysis is carried out by microscopy of the material on days 4-5 menstrual cycle. For a smear test, the cervix is ​​exposed using a speculum. Using a sterile swab or brush, collect mucus from the surface of the epithelium, turning it clockwise several times, trying not to damage the membrane.

The brush is removed and the resulting material is distributed in an even layer on a glass slide, avoiding drying. The glass is placed in an individual bag and sent to the laboratory.

The entire procedure for collecting material for research takes 15 minutes.

If transportation of material is required, then it is carried out only at a temperature not exceeding 20 degrees in a sealed bag - a refrigerator. In laboratory conditions, opportunistic material is placed in an environment favorable for their reproduction.

Each type of bacteria requires individual conditions and time of reproduction. The results at the end of the process are recorded by laboratory staff. The interpretation is carried out by a gynecologist.

Note! Tank seeding from cervical analysis does not detect the presence of infections such as: herpevirus, ureaplasma, mycoplasma, chlamydia (penetrating cells and affecting the nucleus). This type microorganisms can be detected by PCR diagnostics (polymerase chain reaction).

How to prepare for a cervical smear?

Proper preparation To painless procedure ensures reliable results. The doctor writes a referral to the patient and talks about the nuances that need to be taken into account before taking the test.

A gynecologist takes tests on a pregnant woman. Sexual contact is avoided for several days before the procedure. Do not accept medications and contraceptives.

If a few days before the scheduled date of delivery, vaginal examinations were carried out using a speculum, then it is advisable to postpone the procedure. Forbidden do douching, which distorts the vaginal microflora. To maintain hygiene, use regular boiled water without application detergents.

Before visiting the treatment room wash only in the evening. 1-2 hours before the appointment, refrain from urinating. The procedure does not cause discomfort and pain to the patient.

Bacterial culture is an informative analysis that allows you to determine the causative agent of the disease and its sensitivity to medications. This analysis is most often taken in gynecology and urology. This research method allows you to diagnose various inflammatory processes and diseases and prescribe effective treatment.

The female genital organs contain beneficial bacteria and microorganisms to maintain the necessary balance and acidic environment. They act as a barrier to various viruses and microorganisms. Due to various factors pathogens becomes more than beneficial microflora, as a result an inflammatory process develops.

Bacteriological culture (bacteriological culture) is a method for diagnosing pathologies caused by bacteria. The main purpose of bacteriological culture is to identify harmful bacteria above permissible norm, causing various diseases and inflammatory processes.

However, it should be noted that the vagina may contain a small amount of harmful bacteria, which is associated with female physiology.The doctor takes a sample from the mucous membrane of the genital organs, and then places it in a special nutrient medium, where the necessary conditions are provided.

After the bacteria develops in favorable environment an examination is carried out under a microscope to determine its type.

Bacterial culture from the vagina helps determine the composition of the microflora. If pathogenic microorganisms are present in it, the doctor will prescribe appropriate treatment.

Indications for analysis

Biomaterial is collected from the cervix and cervical canal.Diagnostics can be prescribed as planned for research.

There are the following indications for taking a smear for bacterial culture:

• Pregnancy planning.
• Diagnostics inflammatory diseases V .
• Detection of abnormal microflora.
• Increased blood levels.
• Frequent inflammatory processes in the uterus.

A study may be ordered upon appearance. unpleasant symptoms: itching, burning, white vaginal discharge, menstrual irregularities.

It is mandatory to take a smear from a pregnant woman for bacterial culture if there is a suspicion of genitourinary infections or for preventive purposes. Pathogenic microorganisms detected in a smear of a pregnant woman are very dangerous for the fetus and can lead to miscarriage or infection.

Methods of bacterial sowing

During the study, pathogenic microorganisms are determined, on the basis of which it is possible to judge possible pathological changes V genitourinary organs. In addition to the qualitative determination of microorganisms, a quantitative assessment of pathogenic microflora is also carried out.

The biomaterial is taken from the area where the cervix and vagina connect. This is the cervical canal. At the same time, the discharge is collected from the urethra and vagina.Colony-forming unit (CFU) determination helps determine the number of pathogens per unit volume.

Colony-forming unit counting can be done in several ways:

• Serial dilution method. Thanks to this method, it is possible to determine the sensitivity of bacteria to antibiotics. 1 ml of biomaterial is diluted with inoculation in a numbered test tube with a nutrient medium. The tube in which colony growth stops is considered the maximum limit for the concentration of bacteria in the sample.
• Counting colonies under a microscope. This is an indicative method in which colonies are counted under a microscope. Next, the results are interpreted in accordance with the table.
• Sector method. Used to study the degree of urine bacteriuria.
• When studying antibiotic resistance, 2 methods are used: the standard disk method and the diffusion method. After growing microorganisms in a favorable environment, disks soaked in antibiotic concentrate are lowered into the container. The second method involves the use of paper strips with the drug applied to them.

The results of bacterial culture can be found out after 5 days. Pathogenic microorganisms and their number populating the cervical canal are recorded in a special form.

Preparing for a smear for bacterial culture

For getting reliable result You should properly prepare for a smear test:

1. To avoid the presence of other microorganisms in the smear, it is necessary to ensure the sterility of the material taken.
2. You should also avoid sexual intercourse the day before the test.
3. You cannot douche, insert suppositories, etc.
4. The procedure is not performed during menstruation. You can take a smear test only 2 days after the end.
5. If colposcopy was performed, bacterial culture is prescribed after two days.
6. Culture is not recommended if the woman has taken antibacterial drugs. Drug treatment may distort the results of the study and it will not be possible to obtain reliable information about the condition of the genital organs. A man must adhere to the same rules before taking tests.
7. Before taking a smear for examination, you should not perform genital hygiene, use various creams, gels for intimate hygiene etc.

More information about the cervical canal smear can be found in the video:

The procedure is performed as follows: the woman lies down on the gynecological chair and the obstetrician inserts a special instrument into the vagina and takes a smear. In a man, the doctor inserts a disposable probe into the urethra and turns it around its axis several times.

During the smear collection, no painful sensations a woman and a man should not experience. In most cases there is mild discomfort. Only if the doctor is careless and there is any disease of the genital organs can there be slight discomfort.

Decoding the results

Various microorganisms are present in the vagina and cervix. If they belong to opportunistic microflora, then they do not pose a danger. The discharge of the cervical canal is not sterile.Normally, the analyzes should contain lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, which are representatives of normal microflora.

Microorganisms colonizing and present in the smear should not be included in the results. However, a single number of such microorganisms is allowed. If they are found in culture large quantities, then this indicates an inflammatory process of the genitourinary system.

Normally, the culture should be free of gonococci, trichomonas, yeast, key cells, staphylococci, gardnerella, leptothrix, etc.

All these pathogenic microorganisms lead to the development of an inflammatory process and serious diseases.

During sowing, several degrees of development of microorganisms and their growth rate are distinguished:

• In the first degree, there is a weak growth of bacteria and they are present only in a liquid medium.
• The second degree is characterized by the growth of up to 10 colonies on a solid medium.
• The third degree is characterized by an increase in bacteria to 100 colonies.
• For the fourth, the number of microorganisms of one type exceeds more than 100 colonies.