Canestest Self-Test for Vaginal Infections-pack of 1

Canestest Self-Test for Vaginal Infections is an easy-to-use vaginal self-test designed to help distinguish between common causes of abnormal vaginal symptoms, particularly vaginal thrush and bacterial vaginosis (BV).

The test works by assessing the pH of vaginal secretions. Thrush usually occurs without an increase in vaginal pH, whereas bacterial vaginosis and some other infections are commonly associated with an increased vaginal pH.

Canestest provides a result in approximately 10 seconds and should be interpreted together with the symptoms guide supplied with the test.

Key features:

• Self-test for common vaginal infections
• Helps distinguish between probable thrush and bacterial vaginosis
• Measures changes in vaginal pH
• Results in approximately 10 seconds
• Simple colour-change result
• More than 90% accuracy when used correctly
• Easy-to-use vaginal swab
• Can be performed privately at home
• Helps guide the user towards appropriate treatment or professional advice
• Contains 1 single-use diagnostic swab
• No urine sample required
• No laboratory processing required
• Medical device
• Not a treatment for vaginal infection

How the test works:

The normal vaginal environment is mildly acidic, generally with a pH below approximately 4.5.

Some vaginal conditions affect this natural pH differently:

• Vaginal thrush usually does not significantly increase vaginal pH
• Bacterial vaginosis (BV) commonly causes an increased vaginal pH
• Trichomoniasis may also cause an increased vaginal pH

Canestest uses a specially treated yellow swab tip that reacts to the vaginal secretions.

The result must be considered alongside symptoms such as:

• Type and colour of discharge
• Vaginal odour
• Itching
• Irritation or burning
• Pain or discomfort

How to use:

Wash your hands thoroughly before using the test.

1. Remove the Canestest swab from its individual foil wrapper.
2. Do not touch the yellow test tip or allow it to come into contact with another surface.
3. Hold the swab by the handle.
4. Carefully insert the yellow tip into the vagina until the handle reaches the outer vaginal area – approximately 5cm.
5. Gently rotate the swab a couple of times.
6. Remove the swab.
7. Wait 10 seconds.
8. Check the colour of the swab tip.
9. Compare the result with the symptom and colour guide supplied on the packaging.
10. Dispose of the used swab after testing.

Wash your hands after use.

Interpreting the result:

Yellow / no significant colour change – normal vaginal pH

When combined with symptoms such as:

• Intense itching or burning
• Vaginal soreness
• Thick, white, cottage-cheese-like discharge
• Little or no offensive odour

the result may indicate vaginal thrush.

A yellow result with no abnormal symptoms may simply indicate a normal vaginal environment.

Blue or green colour – increased vaginal pH

When combined with symptoms such as:

• Thin, watery grey or white discharge
• Fishy or unpleasant odour
• Little or no itching

the result may indicate bacterial vaginosis (BV).

An increased pH can also occur with other conditions, including trichomoniasis, so a blue or green result does not specifically prove that BV is present.

Important:

Canestest does not provide a definitive diagnosis.

The colour result must always be interpreted together with the symptoms guide supplied with the product.

If the result is unclear or symptoms do not correspond with the result, speak to a pharmacist, GP or other healthcare professional.

When not to perform the test:

The result may be inaccurate if Canestest is used:

• Less than 1 day before your period
• Less than 1 day after your period
• During menstruation
• When there is any vaginal bleeding
• Within 12 hours after sexual intercourse
• Within 12 hours after using a vaginal douche
• Soon after using other internal vaginal products that could alter vaginal pH

Wait until the appropriate period has passed before carrying out the test.

Menopause:

Canestest is not recommended for menopausal or post-menopausal women.

Vaginal pH naturally increases after menopause, which can produce an elevated-pH result even when an infection is not present and therefore make the test unreliable.

Pregnancy:

If you are pregnant, seek advice from a doctor, midwife or other healthcare professional regarding vaginal symptoms and interpretation of the test.

During pregnancy, a blue or green test result may potentially have causes other than a vaginal infection, including amniotic fluid leakage, and therefore requires professional assessment.

Do not self-treat vaginal symptoms during pregnancy solely on the basis of the Canestest result.

When to seek medical advice:

Speak to a pharmacist, GP or other healthcare professional if:

• This is the first time you have experienced vaginal symptoms
• You are unsure how to interpret the result
• Symptoms are severe
• Symptoms keep returning
• Treatment has not improved the symptoms
• You have vaginal bleeding that is not your normal period
• You have pelvic or abdominal pain
• You have fever, chills or feel generally unwell
• You have pain when passing urine
• You have yellow-green or unusual discharge
• You are pregnant
• You think you may have a sexually transmitted infection

A blue or green result together with symptoms suggestive of trichomoniasis or another sexually transmitted infection requires medical assessment.

Important information:

Canestest Self-Test for Vaginal Infections is a self-diagnostic medical device.

It is designed to help identify the probable cause of vaginal symptoms and should not be considered a definitive medical diagnosis.

It does not treat an infection.

Do not make important treatment decisions solely from the test result if the symptoms or result are unclear.

Each swab is:

• For single use only
• Individually foil wrapped
• Intended for vaginal self-testing

Do not use the test if:

• The foil wrapper is damaged
• The swab is damaged
• The yellow test tip is already stained or discoloured before use
• The expiry date has passed

Use the test immediately after opening the foil wrapper.

Storage:

• Store in a dry place at room temperature
• Keep in the original packaging until required
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging

Product type: Vaginal Infection Self-Test / Self-Diagnostic Medical Device

Purpose: Helps distinguish between probable thrush, bacterial vaginosis and other causes of altered vaginal pH

Test method: Vaginal pH / colour-change test

Sample: Vaginal secretions

Result time: Approximately 10 seconds

Accuracy: More than 90% when used correctly

Test format: Single-use vaginal diagnostic swab

Pack size: 1 test

Brand: Canestest / Canesten

Manufacturer / UK brand owner: Bayer plc

PIP code: 395-0854

EAN: 5010605055560

Always read the enclosed instructions before use and interpret the colour result together with the symptoms guide supplied with the test.

Product Information Leaflet