What, exactly, is tested for when a 'swab' is taken?

[sunandfire]

Does anyone know what, exactly, is tested for when a 'swab' is taken during pregnancy? I assume it's a combination of non-sexually-transmitted bacterial infections and STI's, but I'd just like to know which ones. Trying to contact my antenatal department to chase up some results and ask this very question but the line is busy.

I'm assuming (hoping) my swab results came back negative as I was told I'd be contacted if anything abnormal came up (which I wasn't, but I don't want to rely on that), but I've been suffering from some really quite problematic discharge which I'd like to get to the bottom of. I was told at my last antenatal appointment that I'm a carrier of group b strep (although this was confirmed from a urine sample, not swab), and some users have suggested a link between the group b strep and the problematic discharge. I just want to rule out anything more sinister.

Thanks!

Just got through to the department and was told that there is no record of a swab being sent to the lab - just my luck! 😔 the woman I spoke to also didn't appear to know what the swabs look for!

The swab will check for whatever the GP/MW requested on the form. It depends on the reason for taking the swab in the first place. If it was because of your discharge then I imagine they will check it for a generic bacterial infection. Phone your GP or whoever took the swab and let them know the labs have never received it.

Mine was for testing group b (www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/2037.aspx?CategoryID=54)

It's not offered in the nhs but as my urine kept coming with proteins they decided to test it as well.. It came back as positive so i'll need medicines when in labour.

@Twitchett22 I think I recall the midwife mentioning that the test was a standard test that tests for "everything". I can't believe that, at 28 weeks, I still don't have a specific midwife. Each time I have an antenatal appointment, I see a different midwife - I don't have "my midwife". The person who took the swab, I saw at the emergency obstetric unit (went in out of hours as I was concerned about this very issue, and that was back in January). Not sure how I'd get in touch with that particular midwife. I guess I'll just go back to the EOU and see if they'll repeat the whole process (I'd kind of like to go over my concerns again with someone, anyway).

@DaisyLand I'm a carrier of group b strep, too, although it was detected in a urine sample (not the swab). I'll also be having the intravenous antibiotics during labour. Some users have suggested a link between the group b step and this 'problematic discharge' I'm concerned about.

I've never had a specific mw either and im due tomorrow! Its hit and miss with who i see, some are great and some aren't. It's very frustrating at times. Might even be worth getting in at the GP, if nothing else they'll at least send a repeat swab for you.

It’s not a common thing to have a named midwife. Some pets of the country this happens but not routinely, particularly in London.

Vaginal swabs are for general infection, so BV, thrush, GBS, staph

@Twitchett22 so true. I think seeing the same midwife now is a kin to 'call the midwife' days . But seriously, every one i've seen has been different and I'm due Tuesday/Wednesday (no one seems to be sure)

@Twitchett22 can't believe your due tomorrow! fingers crossed for a day or two late to let the snow melt a little

@Twitchett22 you're due tomorrow? :O oh, wow! Will this be your first? Wishing you the best and hope all goes well (although, I'm sure baby will take a little longer just because I don't know anyone who's given birth on their actual due date) :)

@Twitchett22
@Mummyme87 @Potteryprincess30 that's quite reassuring - I thought it was just ME! It's the way everyone says "call your midwife" or "I spoke to me midwife" - it's misleading wording! It makes sense though, yes, considering how much "strain" the NHS is currently under (especially in highly populated cities London, yes).

Whoops, I don't know how that whole first part of the message got bolded like that!

@sunandfire it would be nice to at least see someone twice though wouldn't it? But I guess if your considered low risk too it's standard these days. I do remember 8 years ago when I had my last though I had a mobile number for a midwife, which today would be unheard of! ironically I never used it of course.

Do you think they are checking for the strep B again @sunandfire ? As it goes on its own too doesn't it and you have a while yet before labour so is this possible? then you could avoid the antibiotics during labour? Though if not i've heard its not uncomfortable or an issue, on another thread a women even still managed to have a water birth but don't know how common that is

Baby can come right now as far as I'm concerned lol! Only live a mile from the hospital so the snows not bothering me luckily! Yes its my first so not got a clue what to expect, every twinge I have i think its the start but il probably still be sat here in a week lol.
Luckily my pregnancy has been straightforward but if it hadn't I wouldn't have known how to contact my mw, i just phone the labour ward. Every appointment i go to i hope for the good midwife, but i usually get the one who doesn't bother to explain anything/tell me where babys lying/assumes this is my 8th baby. She told me to phone labour ward tomorrow if i want a sweep - no other details, not what happens after that, what a sweep is etc (luckily i read about it myself but she doesnt know that). Oh well, could be worse lol.

How's it going, @Twitchett22? Sorry to hear you haven't had the best ME experience (neither have I, and I've totally experienced a the lack of explanations/assuming that you know what they're taking about thing. Only at my last appointment was I told that I need to take urine samples 'midstream' - MW looked at my like I was stupid for not having done so all this time, like I was supposed to know). How are you feeling? Is it all kicking off, or are you cozily snuggled up in bed, eagerly waiting? I really do wish you the best labour possible. Thankfully, you won't have to experience crappy midwives for much longer - let's just hope the health visitor(s) is nicer ☺️

Sending you lots of love x

MW*

AN NHS black handled swab checks for bacteria that grows- mainly E coli, Group B strep, yeast (not a bacteria but grows from culture), staph infections are picked up.

STIs require a different swab.

Couldn't go for sweep today as maternity really busy so booked in for tomorrow morning! Braxton hicks going crazy today, im praying she tells me im 4-5cm dilated tomorrow but knowing my luck I'll be 0cm haha. I'll keep you posted on how it goes!

sunandfire couldn't do the sweep because my cervix isn't ready! This baby's defo going to be induced at 42 weeks haha stubborn little bugger!

@Twitchett22 sorry for not checking in with you sooner! Eager to know how it went!!! Hope you and baby are well! 😃