title: A self-sampling method to obtain large volumes of undiluted cervicovaginal secretions.
abstract: 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.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The goal was to develop a vaginal self-sampling method for collecting large volumes of undiluted cervicovaginal secretions.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
authors.affiliation: Thomas C Jenkins Department of Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, USA.
authors.forename: Elizabeth R
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Boskey
authors.forename: Thomas R
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Moench
authors.forename: Paul S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Hees
authors.forename: Richard A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Cone
mesh_terms: D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D012648:Self Care; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D014621:Vagina / Q000378:metabolism*