Endocervical Gram stain

This test requires a sample of secretions from the lining of the cervical canal (the opening to the uterus). You lie on your back with your feet in stirrups. The health care provider will insert an instrument called a speculum into the vagina. This instrument is used during regular female pelvic exams. It opens the…

Do not douche for 24 hours before the procedure.

You may feel minor discomfort during specimen collection. This procedure feels very much like a routine Pap test .

This test is used to detect and identify abnormal bacteria in the cervix area. If you develop signs of an infection or think that you have a sexually transmitted disease (such as gonorrhea), this test can help confirm the diagnosis. It can also identify the germ that is causing the infection. This test is rarely done…

A normal result means no abnormal bacteria are seen in the sample. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results.

Abnormal result may indicate: Bacterial vaginosis Chlamydia Gonorrhea Yeast infection The test may also be performed for gonococcal arthritis , to determine the site of the initial infection.

There is virtually no risk.

If you have gonorrhea or another sexually transmitted disease, it is very important that all of your sexual partners also receive treatment, even if they have no symptoms.

Abdallah M, Augenbraun MH, McCormack W. Vulvovaginitis and cervicitis. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases . 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 108. Swygard H, Cohen MS. Approach to the patient with a sexually transmitted…