What does the vaginal microbiome test show?
Vaginal microbiome (or vaginal flora) is defined as the complex ecosystem of microorganisms – bacteria and fungi – located in the vagina. Instead of culture test, the Avidin Vaginal Microbiome Test is based on a modern molecular biology technology of next-generation sequencing.
The test is unique in its ability to detect all types of microorganisms in a gynecological sample, i.e. bacteria, including sexually transmitted bacteria, fungi, the single-celled protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis, as well as known viruses that can cause vaginal infections, such as human papillomavirus (HPV – serotyping), herpes simplex virus (HSV-1, HSV-2), Epstein-Bar virus (EBV), molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV), human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and adenoviruses.
The vast majority of microbes found in the vagina are not harmful, and in fact they specifically contribute to maintaining a healthy urogenital (urinary-genital) environment.
For example, Lactobacillus species protect against many urogenital diseases, including bacterial vaginosis, sexually transmitted diseases, yeast infections, urinary tract infections and even some gynecological cancers.
By revealing the composition of the vaginal microbiome, the Avidin Vaginal Microbiome Test provides the opportunity to classify the microbiome according to its composition, based on the so-called “Community State Types” proposed in the literature. The bacterial composition of each type is unique, allowing important conclusions to be drawn about the health and integrity of the urogenital system. The microbiome categories determine the overall impact of the vaginal flora on health (protective, neutral or harmful), the likelihood of vaginal infections and the risk of developing various urogenital disorders.
When is it recommended to perform the vaginal microbiome test?
- in case of unsuccessful childbearing, infertility, when there is no hormonal cause
- in case of recurrent discomfort, vaginal pain
- vaginal dryness in the absence of hormonal abnormalities
- in case of recurrent fungal infection, inflammation
- if virus detection is required
How is sampling performed?
Sampling is performed in the form of self-sampling.
We provide a special sampling device for sampling, this is the only way we can accept a sample. You can pick up the sampling device from our laboratory at the booked time and we will provide you with a detailed sampling information leaflet.
Please store the sample in the refrigerator and return it to our laboratory no later than 24 hours after sampling.
When is the result expected?
The time to complete the personalized report (about 20 pages) that shows the composition of the vaginal microbiome takes 7 working days.