Vaginal health test collection instructions

Congratulations on taking control of your vaginal health!

Before you start, make sure your pack contains the following items:

Swab

Bio Hazard Bag

Collection Tube

Return shipping bag

If you are missing any items, please contact us immediately.

Important Information

  • Period blood can interfere with the sample. Make sure that you are NOT on your period.
  • It is normal and not cause for concern if you notice a slight discharge of blood on the swab.
  • DO NOT spill the liquid in the collection tube. If you do spill it, discard and request a replacement tube by logging into your account.
  • DO NOT lay the swab tip down or touch any other surface once it is removed from the packaging. If you do, discard and request a new swab by logging into your account.
  • Small items may pose a choking hazard.
  • Store at room temperature (60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit).
  • If you are pregnant, talk to your healthcare professional before using this collection kit.
  • If the collection tube liquid comes in contact with eyes or skin, wash with water. Contact your clinician provider if irritation develops.
  • DO NOT ingest.

Vaginal health test kit collection instructions

Quick and easy at-home testing. Here’s how it works

Prepare to collect sample

  1. Register your test online by logging into your account. Your unique activation codes (an 11-digit Reg. No. and 10-digit Patient ID) are located on a sticker on your box and on your test vial.
  2. Undress from the waist down so you can easily collect the sample without contaminating the swab.
  3. Wash your hands in warm, soapy water and dry thoroughly.
  4. Open the box and locate the swab and tube. Carefully set the tube aside.

Collect your sample

  1. Partially peel open the swab package (as shown in diagram 1). Remove the swab, being careful to not allow the tip or the swab to touch anything. If the soft tip is touched or the swab is laid down or dropped, discard the swab and request a new one by logging into your account.
  2. Hold the swab in your hand with your thumb and forefinger in the middle of the swab shaft covering the score line (as shown in diagram 2). DO NOT hold the swab shaft below the score line.  
  3. Squat slightly and gently open the folds of the skin at the vaginal opening.
  4. Carefully insert the swab about 3 inches into your vagina being careful to not touch the skin outside of the opening.
  5. Slowly rotate the swab in full circles touching all the walls of the vagina for 20 seconds so moisture is absorbed on all sides of the swab tip.
  6. Carefully withdraw the swab without having the swab touch the outer skin surface.

If the soft tip is touched, the swab is laid down, or the swab is dropped, request a new
swab specimen collection kit by logging into your account.

Store your sample

  1. While still holding the swab in one hand, unscrew the cap from the tube (as shown in diagram 3).
  2. DO NOT spill the contents of the tube. DO NOT touch the swab tip to any other surface. If the tube contents are spilled or the swab tip touches something else, discard it and request a new one by logging into your account.
  3. Immediately insert the swab into the tube so that the score line is at the top of the tube (as shown in diagram 4).
  4. Carefully snap the top part of the swab shaft off at the score line and discard (as shown in diagram 5). The bottom part of the swab should still be in the tube of liquid. You may discard the snapped-off portion.
  5. Tightly screw the cap onto the tube (as shown in diagram 6).

Pack and mail

  1. Place the tube in the biohazard bag provided in your kit.
  2. Seal the biohazard bag and place it in the return box.
  3. Seal the return box and place it in your prepaid shipping bag.
  4. Seal the shipping bag and place it in your mailbox or USPS drop box. You can find locations here.
  5. Ship this sample in no more than 2 days after collection.

What to Expect

1. Register your kit and collect your sample using the instructions above.

2. Using the prepaid shipping envelope, return your kit to MyPathAdvantage.

3. Your test will be processed and a pathologist will review your results.

4. Your results will be posted by the end of the next business day after receiving your test.

Have questions?

Did your doctor order you a vaginal health test?

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Dr. Gillespie and her highly qualified team have set the standard for vaginal screening.

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Kristin Williams, MD

Women’s Health Specialists of North Texas

As a practicing OBGYN, I recommend MyPathAdvantage for its precision in diagnosing and managing vaginal health.

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Meghan Drake, MD

Women’s Health Associates of Richardson

I trust this test to give me an accurate look at a patient’s entire vaginal microbiome.  It offers powerful insights.

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Jennifer Gulick, MD OBGYN

Frisco, Texas

Not only is it convenient for patients, but I feel confident that I will be receiving accurate results in a short time.

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Hannah Gee, WHNP

Charleston House Gynecology