Related Experiment Videos
A self-sampling method to obtain large volumes of undiluted cervicovaginal secretions
Elizabeth R Boskey1, Thomas R Moench, Paul S Hees
1Thomas C Jenkins Department of Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, USA.
Background:
Studies of vaginal physiology and pathophysiology sometime require larger volumes of undiluted cervicovaginal secretions than can be obtained by current methods. A convenient method for self-sampling these secretions outside a clinical setting can facilitate such studies of reproductive health.
Goal:
The goal was to develop a vaginal self-sampling method for collecting large volumes of undiluted cervicovaginal secretions.
Study Design:
A menstrual collection device (the Instead cup) was inserted briefly into the vagina to collect secretions that were then retrieved from the cup by centrifugation in a 50-ml conical tube.
Results:
All 16 women asked to perform this procedure found it feasible and acceptable. Among 27 samples, an average of 0.5 g of secretions (range, 0.1-1.5 g) was collected.
Conclusions:
This is a rapid and convenient self-sampling method for obtaining relatively large volumes of undiluted cervicovaginal secretions. It should prove suitable for a wide range of assays, including those involving sexually transmitted diseases, microbicides, vaginal physiology, immunology, and pathophysiology.