[A new disposable, self-retaining, single-bladed vaginal speculum (author's transl)]

A new, disposable vaginal speculum has been tested clinically. It consists of a thin, elastic plastic sheet which, rolled into the shape of a narrow tube, can be introduced into the vagina. Due to its inherent elasticity, it unfolds and allows examination of the cervix uteri. Of 507 patients investigated using this disposable speculum, cervical examination could be performed in 96%. In a comparative group of 138 patients using the usual metal speculum of Cusco, cervical examination was possible in 100%. The plastic speculum, developed for use in cancer screening tests, is suitable for routine vaginal examination after a little practice in the introduction technique.