A comparison of cytobrush and cotton swab sampling for the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis by cell culture.

A cytobrush was compared with a cotton-tipped aluminium shafted swab for the collection of 2024 paired endocervical specimens for the culture of Chlamydia trachomatis. There was no significant advantage with the use of either device with respect to the number of positive specimens detected or the number of inclusions present in positive specimens. However, the use of cytobrushes resulted in an increased level of cervical bleeding and increased collection of cervical mucus resulting in difficulties in the handling of laboratory specimens.