Know what is living in your microbiome
A 17-target molecular screen that maps the balance of bacteria in the vaginal microbiome, from the protective lactobacilli to the organisms behind bacterial vaginosis. Always self-swab, at home or in private at a branch.
No referral. Prefer in person? Self-swab privately at any branch.
How would you like to collect your swab?
Order a home kit
Collect your own swab at home and post it back. Discreet and simple, with clear instructions.
Self-swab at a branch
Prefer to collect in person? Take your own swab in private at any branch, Monday to Friday, 08:30 to 16:00.
Book a slotAsk first
Not sure if this is the right test? Message us on WhatsApp and we will help you decide.
WhatsApp usWhat does the screen measure?
A molecular read of the bacteria that shape vaginal health, grouped so you can see the balance at a glance. From one self-collected swab.
Protective lactobacilli
L. crispatus, L. gasseri, L. iners, L. jensenii. The good bacteria that keep the vaginal environment acidic and balanced; low levels often go with BV.
BV-associated bacteria
Gardnerella vaginalis, Atopobium vaginae, BVAB2, Mobiluncus curtisii, M. mulieris, Megasphaera 1, Megasphaera 2, Prevotella bivia. The organisms that tend to overgrow in bacterial vaginosis.
Other organisms screened
Bacteroides fragilis, E. coli O18, Enterococcus faecalis, S. aureus, Strep. agalactiae (Group B). Additional bacteria that can be relevant to vaginal and, in pregnancy, newborn health.
Three steps, no GP needed
Order a kit or visit a branch
Buy the home kit online, or come to any branch. No doctor's referral and no appointment needed.
Collect your own swab
You take the swab yourself, at home or in private at the branch. It is quick, simple and comes with clear instructions.
Results in 5 to 7 days
A clear report of the organisms detected, with a free certificate you can share with your doctor.
Who is this for?
Most useful if you have vaginal symptoms, recurrent problems, or simply want to understand your balance.
Symptoms now
Unusual discharge, odour, itching or discomfort you want to understand.
Recurrent BV or thrush
Symptoms that keep coming back despite treatment, and you want the fuller picture.
Planning a pregnancy
Checking your vaginal health before trying to conceive.
Pregnancy
Some of these organisms matter in pregnancy; share any results with your doctor or midwife.
After antibiotics
Your balance has shifted after antibiotics or a change in routine.
A microbiome baseline
You simply want to know where your vaginal microbiome sits.
What people say
Friendly and competent staff. Both at reception and the nurse. A much simpler process than going through doctors. Thank you ladies.
The staff at reception as well as the nurses are friendly and professional. I've also always received results timeously. I would give 10 stars if I could.
Highly highly highly recommend. The experience was painless and the practice was inviting and well kept. The report was extremely detailed and informative and I would have this as top of my list for preventive care.
Amazing experience, highly professional staff. Very reasonable prices. Highly recommend.
I cannot recommend Juliette and her team enough, friendly and kind from the get go. Bloods were drawn with minimal discomfort and the labs came back quickly.
Excellent experience at Epicentre. The staff were professional, kind, and took time to explain everything clearly. The facility was clean, booking was easy, and I did not feel rushed.
What this does not do
This is a molecular screen of the vaginal microbiome. It identifies and quantifies organisms, but it is a starting point for a conversation with your doctor, not a diagnosis on its own.
- Detecting an organism does not always mean it is causing your symptoms; results are read alongside your history.
- It does not test for every sexually transmitted infection; ask about a dedicated STI screen if that is your concern.
- Symptoms should be assessed by a doctor, who can examine you and read these results in context.
- If you are pregnant, share any results with your doctor or midwife.
Quick answers
Three walk-in labs
Durban
Mon to Fri, 08:30 to 16:00
Johannesburg
Mon to Fri, 08:30 to 16:00
Round out the picture
Medically reviewed by Dr Samantha Naidoo, MB ChB, FCP (SA), Medical Director at Epicentre Walk-In Labs. Reviewed 2 June 2026. Epicentre Aids Risk Management (Pty) Ltd provides diagnostic laboratory testing and does not provide diagnoses, treatment or prescriptions to the public; results are intended to inform discussions with a registered healthcare practitioner.
Understand your vaginal microbiome
No doctor's referral, results in 5 to 7 working days. Order a home kit or self-swab privately at a branch, or message us if you are not sure where to start.