The external reproductive tract is not a sterile
site and care must be taken to prevent contamination
during sampling of the uterus, which should be performed during oestrus. In order to minimize
contamination, the perineum should be carefully
washed, and sampling should be performed with
a gloved hand in the vagina and double-guarded,
occluded swabs. The culture swabs are transported in
transport media to the lab.