4 Life Technologies | Animal Health
• Ensure there is enough light in the work area.
• Use new sterile gloves for each boar.
Urine
If sampling urine from sows, do not enter the compartment before you are
ready for sampling. Use a sterile collection tube for each pig (10–50 mL).
Cervical swab
1. Clean the vulva with a dry piece of paper.
2. Apply some lubricant to the outer surface of the speculum and then slowly
push it into the vagina.
3. Carefully insert the swab through the speculum until it reaches the cervix;
leave it in this position for 3 seconds.
4. Rotate the swab one third around the central axis and leave it again for
3 seconds.
5. Again rotate the swab one third around the central axis and leave it for
3 seconds.
6. Label the swab container immediately with the animal ID (ear tag number)
using a waterproof marker. Write numbers and letters clearly according to
Good Clinical Practice (e.g., 5 not
5 ).
NOTE: Steps 4 and 5 significantly increase the amount of material captured by
the swab and thereby the diagnostic sensitivity of the whole method.
Position the speculum against the cervix Insert the swab through the speculum
