Vaginal Swabs: OSCE Checklist
Vaginal Swabs: OSCE Checklist
Introduction
1 Introduce yourself to the patient including your name and role
6 Ask the patient if they have any pain before taking vaginal swabs
7 Ask the patient to remove their underwear for the procedure and provide them with privacy
whilst they get undressed
8 Wash your hands
9 Gather equipment
Vulval inspection
10 Don gloves and position the patient in the modified lithotomy position
12 Use your left hand (index finger and thumb) to separate the labia
14 Once inserted, rotate the speculum back 90° (so that the handle is facing upwards)
15 Open the speculum blades until an optimal view of the cervix is achieved
20 Pick up the swab itself with your dominant hand and take the relevant samples
21 Place the used swab back into its tube, which should still be in your non-dominant hand and
tighten the lid
22 Place the completed swab into the tray
31 Advise the patient that they'll be contacted with results via their preferred method (e.g. face
to face or text message)
32 Document the procedure in the medical notes including the details of the chaperone