Vaginal discharge, odour, itching, and irritation are among the most common reasons Lagos women seek laboratory testing. A high vaginal swab (HVS) with microscopy, culture, and sensitivity identifies the causative organism — so you get the right treatment the first time, not a guessed antibiotic.
A high vaginal swab (HVS) with full microscopy, culture, and sensitivity (MCS) is the definitive diagnostic test for vaginal infections in Lagos. It goes far beyond a clinical exam — identifying the exact organism, its quantity, and which antibiotics or antifungals it is sensitive or resistant to.
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection in Lagos women — characterised by an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria (Gardnerella vaginalis, Prevotella, Mobiluncus) that displace the normal lactobacillus-dominant flora. Microscopically diagnosed by clue cells (epithelial cells coated with bacteria), absence of lactobacilli, and an elevated vaginal pH >4.5. BV in Lagos pregnant women significantly increases risk of preterm labour and post-partum infection.
Vaginal candidiasis (commonly "candida" or "yeast infection") caused by Candida albicans or non-albicans species (C. glabrata, C. tropicalis) presents with intense vulvar itching, white thick "cottage cheese" discharge, and dyspareunia in Lagos women. Non-albicans candida are more resistant to standard fluconazole treatment — culture and sensitivity identifies the species and selects the right antifungal. Diabetic women in Lagos are at significantly elevated risk.
Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) is a sexually transmitted parasite causing frothy yellow-green discharge with vulval irritation in Lagos women. It is frequently asymptomatic in men — who transmit it unknowingly. Wet microscopy immediately after swab collection identifies the motile trichomonads. The HVS also screens for Gram-negative intracellular diplococci (GNID) — the microscopic hallmark of gonorrhoea — prompting targeted gonorrhoea culture and treatment.
Do not use vaginal douches, pessaries, gels, antifungal creams, or vaginal suppositories for at least 24–48 hours before the swab. These alter the vaginal flora and make it impossible to accurately assess what organism is naturally present. If you have already started treatment, complete the course and wait 1–2 weeks before retesting to assess treatment response.
Do not have sexual intercourse for at least 24 hours before the swab — intercourse changes the vaginal flora and introduces external organisms that contaminate the sample. Schedule your Lagos HVS test when you are not menstruating, as blood interferes with microscopy and culture. Mid-cycle (days 10–20) gives the clearest results.
The HVS test is one of the most private tests we perform at Mascot Healthcare. You will be seen in a private consultation room by trained staff. Female staff are available on request. Your results are handled under strict patient confidentiality — never discussed in the reception area, never disclosed to partners or family members without your written consent. Digital result delivery is available if you prefer to avoid paper results.
We perform wet microscopy, Gram stain, aerobic and anaerobic culture, and sensitivity testing. This means we identify not just whether an infection is present, but which organism (including species of Candida), and which antibiotics or antifungals it is sensitive and resistant to — so your Lagos doctor prescribes the right treatment first time.
We understand that vaginal infections are sensitive. From booking via WhatsApp to collecting results, privacy is maintained throughout. Female staff are available for sample collection on request. No details are shared with partners, family, or employers.
We offer GBS-specific HVS screening for Lagos pregnant women at 35–37 weeks — matching the RCOG and ACOG guidelines for neonatal GBS disease prevention. Combined with our BV screening, we provide comprehensive antenatal vaginal health assessment in Lagos.
52 Sholanke Street, Akoka — reachable from Lagos Island, Lekki, Ikeja, and Yaba. Open Mon – Sat 9 AM – 5 PM. Book your HVS test in Lagos via WhatsApp for a private appointment slot.
"I had been treated three times with the same antifungal from pharmacies in Lagos with no lasting result. Finally got a proper HVS culture at Mascot — turned out to be Candida glabrata which is resistant to fluconazole. Got the right treatment and it finally cleared. Wish I had done this months ago."
Walk in or book ahead. Located at 52 Sholanke Street, Off Chemist Junction, Akoka, Lagos.
Monday – Saturday · 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Closed Sundays & Public Holidays