How to disinfect a colposcope

Vaginoscopy generally refers to colposcopic examination, for which povidone-iodine is commonly used for routine disinfection. Colposcopic examination should be performed at a正规 medical facility, and the specific steps are as follows:

1. The patient assumes the lithotomy position. Povidone-iodine is applied to routinely disinfect the external genitalia and vaginal opening.

2. A vaginal speculum moistened with normal saline is inserted to expose the cervix and fornices. Cervical secretions are gently wiped away with a cotton ball.

3. Turn on the light source, adjust the objective lens to align horizontally with the area being examined, and focus until the image is clear.

4. Apply a 3% acetic acid-soaked cotton ball to the cervicovaginal region to clear and swell the epithelium, allowing observation of lesion boundaries and surface morphology. For detailed vascular assessment, use a green filter and magnify to 20x.

5. Apply Lugol's iodine solution. Areas that fail to stain are considered iodine-negative. Observe the distribution of unstained areas and perform multiple biopsies from sites with abnormal imaging or suspected lesions for histopathological examination.

Prior to the examination, results of a vaginal cytology smear should be available, and infections such as Trichomonas vaginalis, Candida, and gonorrhea should be ruled out. Avoid vaginal douching, bimanual examination, and sexual intercourse within 24 hours before the procedure.