Mascot Healthcare · Akoka, Lagos

Swab Tests
Culture &
Sensitivity

HVS · Urethral · Throat · Wound · Ear Swab

Knowing what organism is causing your infection — and exactly which antibiotic kills it — is the difference between proper treatment and weeks of trial and error. Our swab culture identifies both.

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Swab
Types

3–5

Days for
Culture

C&S

Culture &
Sensitivity

Culture Result

HVS Culture

E. coli

Sensitive to ciprofloxacin, nitrofurantoin

Organism ID ✓

Antibiotic sensitivity panel included

Method

Swab + Culture

About the Test

Culture & Sensitivity — The Complete Picture

A swab test collects a sample from an infected site. The lab cultures (grows) any bacteria present, identifies them to species level, then tests which antibiotics kill them — giving your doctor the precise information needed to treat you correctly.

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High Vaginal Swab (HVS)

Detects bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis (thrush), trichomoniasis, and other vaginal pathogens. Culture identifies the organism and guides correct antibiotic or antifungal treatment. For women with abnormal discharge, odour, or pelvic discomfort.

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Urethral & Genital Swabs

Detects gonorrhoea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae), chlamydia, and other STI pathogens in men and women. NAAT method recommended for highest sensitivity. Culture adds antibiotic resistance profiling for gonorrhoea.

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Throat, Ear & Wound Swabs

Identifies streptococcal throat infections, ear pathogens (Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus), and wound organisms — all with full antibiotic sensitivity panels to guide appropriate treatment and avoid resistance.

When to Test

Five Situations That Require a Swab Culture

Abnormal Vaginal Discharge

Foul-smelling, coloured, or unusual discharge — a HVS culture identifies the exact organism and avoids the "treat and hope" approach with random antibiotics.

Recurrent Infections Not Clearing

Infections that return after antibiotic treatment may involve resistant organisms. Culture and sensitivity testing tells you exactly which antibiotic will work.

Genital Discharge in Men

Urethral discharge, burning urination, or penile sores require swab and NAAT testing for gonorrhoea and chlamydia — the most common causes.

Wound or Surgical Site Infection

Post-operative or traumatic wound infections need swab culture to identify MRSA, Pseudomonas, or other pathogens before initiating targeted antibiotic therapy.

Pre-Conception or Antenatal Screening

Many women undergo HVS as part of antenatal care to detect group B Streptococcus, bacterial vaginosis, and other infections that can affect pregnancy outcomes.

Swab Processing Timeline

Sample collected

Day 0

Gram stain

Same day

Culture growth

24–48h

Organism ID

48–72h

Sensitivity panel

3–5 days

⚕️ A negative culture after 5 days means no significant bacteria grew — ruling out bacterial infection. We contact you as soon as results are available.

Preparation

How to Prepare for Your Swab Test

Minimal prep — but following these steps gives the most accurate culture results.

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HVS: No Douching or Creams

For high vaginal swab, avoid vaginal douching, antifungal creams, or inserting anything into the vagina for 24–48 hours before the test. This prevents interference with culture results.

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Disclose Recent Antibiotics

If you have taken antibiotics in the last 7–14 days, tell us before swabbing. Recent antibiotic use can suppress bacterial growth and produce false-negative culture results.

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Urethral Swab: Hold Urine

For urethral or NAAT testing, do not urinate for at least 1–2 hours before sample collection. This ensures the highest concentration of any pathogens in the sample.

Why Choose Us

Trusted Swab Testing in Akoka & Beyond

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Full Culture & Sensitivity Report

We don't just identify the organism — we provide a complete antibiotic sensitivity panel so your doctor prescribes the right drug the first time.

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Private & Dignified Experience

Female healthcare professionals available for HVS and gynaecological swabs. Your comfort and privacy are our priority throughout.

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WhatsApp Result Notification

We notify you when results are ready and can send your culture report directly via WhatsApp to share with your doctor anywhere.

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Strict Confidentiality

All swab results are handled with complete privacy. We never discuss your results with anyone without your explicit consent.

"I had a recurring vaginal infection that four different antibiotics hadn't cleared. Mascot Healthcare did an HVS culture — found a resistant organism, prescribed the right antibiotic. Cleared in one week."

👩🏾

F. Adeyemi

Patient, Yaba · 2025

900+

Swab Cultures

4.9★

Patient Rating

5+ Types

Swab Available

100%

Confidential

Book Your Swab Test

Culture & Sensitivity. Right Treatment, First Time.

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

08165866252 WhatsApp Us Book Online

No special preparation for most swabs · Walk-ins welcome · Results in 3–5 days

Swab TestsCulture &Sensitivity