Analysis of microflora by smear

Microflora smear analysis is a study that allows you to determine the presence of bacteria, microbes, fungi and viruses in the human body. The analysis allows you to identify the microflora by variety and genus of microorganisms and determine the treatment regimen, since certain organisms are more sensitive to certain groups of antibiotics and drugs.

Types of microflora analyzes based on smears

A smear analysis for microflora is a laboratory test that is prescribed in gynecology to all women without exception. The resulting sample from the mucous membrane of the cervix, vagina and urethra is sent to the laboratory for testing.

Direct indications for the appointment of manipulation can be: cystitis; pain syndrome in the lower abdomen; itching of the genitals; burning during intimacy; unpleasant discharge from the urethra; allergies and irritation of the genital organs; taking antibiotics for more than a week. It is imperative to undergo an analysis of the microflora for women planning a pregnancy. At an increased risk of contracting infections and diseases that are sexually transmitted, bacterioscopy is also recommended.

Men are also recommended to take a smear test for microflora. Biomaterial sampling is carried out by a urologist or venereologist. The material for analysis may be a scraping from the urethra, a small amount of semen and a secret from the prostate gland. The need for testing may be associated with: unpleasant discharge from the urethra; pain during urination; constant desire to empty; suspicion of male infertility.

An analysis of a smear for the microflora from the ear is prescribed: for internal, secondary and external inflammations; the formation of pus in the tympanic cavity; partial or complete hearing loss. The doctor takes a sample from the outer shell of the organ of hearing.

A swab from the nasopharynx is taken from the mucous membrane of the throat and nose. The ENT prescribes this study to diagnose the following diseases in a patient: angina; chronic tonsillitis; mononucleosis; rhinitis; tuberculosis; pharyngitis; sinusitis; stenosing laryngotracheitis; acute respiratory viral infection; diphtheria; whooping cough. If the patient often has a stuffy nose or there is abundant discharge from the nasal cavity, then the specialist will definitely refer him to the test.

Smear analysis for microflora in gynecology

An analysis of the microflora in gynecology is called bacterial culture. If the patient follows the rules for preparing for the analysis, its results will be reliable and informative. The study is carried out only in the case when the patient has amenorrhea (menstrual cycle is disturbed). In case of failures in the cycle, the optimal time for taking a smear for microflora is 5-6 days of the menstrual cycle.

A few days before the manipulation, a woman should not: engage in intimacy; douching; bathe in the bath; use lubricants; use gels for personal hygiene. On the day of the bacterial culture, a woman should not wash her intimate organs, and a few hours before the procedure, refrain from urinating.

The sampling of biomaterial for research in patients is carried out from the mucous membrane in three different places. A gynecologist, during an examination on a gynecological chair, scrapes off samples with a medical spatula and applies them to a sterile glass. On the reverse side of the glass, the area for taking the biomaterial is indicated. Next, the glasses are sent to the laboratory to analyze the sample for the state of microflora.

Men should also prepare for the procedure. Important preparation rules:

• 3-4 days before the manipulation, sexual intercourse is not recommended;
• before taking a smear, you need to wash yourself and carry out hygiene procedures for intimate organs 6-8 hours before the manipulation;
• 3-4 hours before the appointment with the urologist, it is forbidden to empty the bladder;
• a week before the diagnosis, you should stop taking medications (it is advisable to first consult with your doctor).

The duration of the procedure varies from 1,5 to 3 minutes. The urologist slowly inserts a special probe into the urethra to a depth of 4 to 6 centimeters, then the probe is removed with rotational movements to ensure that more biomaterial is taken. Also, the patient can additionally donate sperm for analysis on the microflora.

Analysis of a smear for microflora from the nasopharynx and ears

If you do not properly prepare for the examination, the analysis may give a false negative result. When taking a throat swab, you should not drink or eat a few hours before the start of the study. It is forbidden to use sprays, rinses and other cleansers 2-3 days before the procedure, as they reduce the actual number of microbes on the mucosa. It is not recommended to use drugs with antimicrobial action or antibiotics. Sample collection is completely painless and takes no more than 5 minutes.

The sample is taken with a cotton-tipped swab, which the specialist inserts into the patient’s mouth. Biomaterial must be taken from several areas of the throat for a more informative result. Manipulation is painless, but may cause a gag reflex. Next, the stick with the material is placed in a special container and sent for diagnosis.

For the correctness of the results of the analysis of the microflora from the nose, before the manipulation, 2-3 days before it begins, it is necessary to temporarily abandon the use of ointments, drops and sprays for the nasal cavity. If the medicines contain antibiotics, you should stop taking them without fail. The material is taken with an oblong cotton swab and evenly applied to the glass.

Analysis of the microflora of the ears allows you to determine the etiological factors in the occurrence of otitis media and other diseases of the hearing organ. The doctor takes a smear with a cotton swab and also distributes the material on a glass slide. Next, the glass is marked, information is applied to it to help identify the sample.

Normal indicators and deviations from them

A smear analysis for microflora helps a gynecologist diagnose in women: bacterial vaginosis; thrush; inflammatory processes caused by trichomoniasis or gonorrhea; various types of vaginitis.

The results of the analysis are drawn up in a conclusion, which indicates: the total number of leukocytes (there should be no more than 10 in the urethra and no more than 30 in the cervix); squamous epithelial cells (no more than ten), lactobacilli (up to 90% of the total microflora), Trichomonas yeast, cocci and gonococci are normally absent. During childbearing, some of the values ​​uXNUMXbuXNUMXbmay be increased several times – this is considered normal.

In men, using a smear on the microflora, the urologist can identify: prostatitis; mycoplasmosis; chlamydia; ureaplasmosis; trichomoniasis; gonorrhea; urethritis and other diseases of the genital area. The form will contain information on the number of leukocytes (the normal value is not more than 5), epithelial cells (not more than 10), gonococci (if they are found, then the man is diagnosed with gonorrhea), cocci (in large numbers they indicate urethritis).

An ear swab gives the specialist information about the number of opportunistic microorganisms, such as enterococci, streptococci and staphylococci, fungi. No more than 10 is considered normal.⁴ CFU / swab / ml. The study of a smear from the nasopharynx reveals the following microorganisms: pneumococci; meningococci; listeria; microbes; hemophilic rods; streptococci. Their number should not exceed 140 CFU / ml.

Microflora smear analysis is a simple and reproducible method for diagnosing serious diseases. The study is informative in case of its correct sampling and interpretation. After determining the causative agent of the disease, the doctor can make a diagnosis and prescribe therapy that will prevent the transition of the disease to the chronic stage.

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