Genital sampling

To be performed outside the time of menstruation, and if no personal lubricants, cream or vaginal ovules have been used (in the latter case, await 48h minimum)

• Use a cytobrush, provided by the laboratory
• The collection must take place around the orifice of the cervix (the interior and exterior of the cervix)
• Collect by friction, rotating the cytobrush in the one sole direction
• Smear the sample onto the labeled slide and fix the sample immediately (before it is air-dried) using a cytology spray fixative or hairspray (normal hairspray, no dry hair spray due to the oil conent)
• Hold the fixative about 25 cm away from the slide

Once fixed, the smear can be kept for a few days.