How to take a swab sample for a home test

Many people can find getting tested at home a bit daunting. Even with all the convenience a home test kit provides, it can be hard to know if you’re doing things right.

If you’ve ordered one of Better2Know’s swab sample kits to get tested for an STI, here are some instructions on collecting a high-quality sample for your test.

Are you concerned about STIs? Get tested at home with one of Better2Know’s home test kits.

Unpack your home test materials

When you get your Better2Know Home Sample Collection Kit (Swab Sample) in the post, and you’re ready to collect your sample, open the package and make sure your test kit contains the following items:

• A cotton swab in a plastic tube
• Instructions and a checklist

Once you’ve confirmed that all the items above are included in your kit, you can start collecting the sample.

Wash your hands and clean a flat surface

Wash your hands with warm water and soap.

You may also want access to a clear flat surface, such as a countertop or a ledge of your sink, to have somewhere to place the items you use. Wash this surface with warm water and soap or a cleaning spray.

Lay the materials out in front of you

Empty the test kit materials onto the flat surface in front of you. This way, everything you need will be at hand.

Take your sample

Now, you’re ready to take your swab sample. Your instructions will differ depending on the kind of swab you’re taking.

Vaginal swab

Here are the instructions for taking a vaginal swab.

1. Maintain a balanced posture: You will want to maintain a balanced posture throughout the sample collection process, with a clear sightline to your groin. Do whatever makes you more comfortable. This could mean sitting on a toilet or putting one foot on a slightly raised surface, like on the edge of a bathtub, a chair, or on the lid of your toilet if you’re in your bathroom.
2. Open the swab container: Take the swab bottle and twist the cap to remove the swab.
3. Hold the swab correctly: With one hand, hold the swab by the cap so that the tip of the wand points towards you.
4. Insert the swab: With your other hand, spread the skin of your vagina to create an opening. Try to relax your muscles as much as possible. Insert the tip of the swab into the vagina, pointing in the direction of your lower back, no more than 2 inches. If the swab doesn’t slide in easily, gently rotate the swab as you push. If you can’t easily insert the swab, don’t continue. Call our helpline for guidance.
5. Collect the sample: Once the swab has been inserted, make sure the swab touches the walls of the vagina so that the swab absorbs moisture. Rotate the swab 10-15 times.
6. Seal the swab tube: Put the swab back in the bottle and twist the cap to seal it.
7. Place the swab bottle back in the box: Place the swab back in the delivery box that it came in.

Rectal swab

Here are instructions for taking a rectal swab.

1. Open the swab: Take the swab bottle and twist the cap to pull the swab out of the bottle.
2. Collect the sample: Relax your muscles as much as possible. Hold the swab cap tightly and insert the swab into your anus, about 2-3 inches in. Twist the swab 5 times as you gently pull it out of your anus.
3. Seal the swab tube: Put the swab back in the bottle and twist the cap to seal it.
4. Place the swab bottle back in the box: Place the swab back in the delivery box that it came in.

External swab (sores, chancres, warts, genital discharge, etc)

Here are instructions for taking an external swab.

1. Open the swab: Take the swab bottle and twist the cap to pull the swab out of the bottle.
2. Collect the sample: Holding the cap firmly, swab the affected area with the end of the swab. This could be a sore, wart, or chancre. Rotate the swab tip to ensure that you cover as much of the affected area as possible. Only swab one area with each swab—doing this will help prevent cross-contamination.
3. Seal the swab tube: Put the swab back in the bottle and twist the cap to seal it.
4. Place the swab bottle back in the box: Place the swab back in the delivery box that it came in.

Throat swab

Here are instructions for collecting a throat swab.

1. Open the swab: Take the swab bottle and twist the cap to pull the swab out of the bottle.
2. Collect the sample: Make sure the swab comes in contact with several parts of the back of your mouth:
   1. Both tonsils
   1. Posterior walls
   1. Uvula (the soft flap at the back of your mouth)
3. Seal the swab tube: Put the swab back in the bottle and twist the cap to seal it.
4. Place the swab bottle back in the box: Place the swab back in the delivery box that it came in.

Consult the checklist

Each test kit has a “Final Checklist” section on the instruction sheet. Before you post your sample, ensure you have included everything you need according to the list.

Seal the envelope

Once you’ve included everything you need to include in the delivery box, put the box inside the envelope and seal it. Post the box as soon as possible.

Final thoughts

Getting tested at home should be simple and straightforward. We hope these instructions can help you collect your samples and get your test results as soon as possible.

If you have any questions about the testing process, call the number at the top of this page to speak to one of our trained Sexual Health Advisors. They can discuss your situation and provide advice and guidance on getting tested.

If you want to get tested for STIs but don’t know where to start, try Better2Know’s Full Screen, which tests for 7 of the UK’s most common STIs.

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