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A urethral swab is a medical procedure used to collect tissue or fluid samples from the urethra to check for STDs. It is commonly performed on men and can be uncomfortable but is a minor outpatient procedure. Samples are sent for analysis and additional tests may be done. Results may take several days.
A urethral swab refers to a medical procedure in which a small cotton swab is inserted into the urethra to collect a sample of tissue or fluid. This is done to check for certain STDs. The collected samples are then sent for analysis to the appropriate laboratories.
The urethral swab is most commonly used to detect STDs and other infections. It is most often performed on men for these purposes, as females would normally have a vaginal swab. The procedure is sometimes uncomfortable for several minutes, but it is a minor outpatient procedure that can be completed in seconds. A small cotton-tipped swab is inserted directly into the urethra. Drain or a small amount of tissue is collected this way for further testing.
Once the samples have been taken, they are cultured and sent to a laboratory for analysis. This can be done on site or in a separate facility. Patients who undergo a urethral swab procedure also generally have additional procedures done to test for other sexually transmitted infections. Blood may be drawn to check for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). A urine sample may also be taken and any open wounds or lesions checked.
Men who undergo this procedure may also have a complete physical exam done during the same visit. This may include a check for the scrotal hernia and tests to check heart and respiratory function. The exact procedures performed may depend on where the patient is being tested. Family practices and general practitioners may do a more thorough exam, while public clinics and health departments generally only do STDs and family planning exams.
It may take several days for test results to come back after taking a urethral swab. The exact length of time may depend on the type of test being performed and whether or not each sample needs to be sent offsite. If any cultures come back showing some form of disease, further testing or treatment may be done. Those showing visible symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection can be treated before the results come back and then be re-evaluated once treatment is complete.
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