How to Use a Speculum for Cervical Examination

During cervical examination in women, a speculum may be used. The speculum is inserted into the vagina and its two blades are rotated and gently opened to expose the vaginal walls, thereby allowing clearer visualization of the cervix. The specific procedure is as follows:

1. Prior to the examination, the patient should empty her bladder, remove her shoes and pants, lie supine on the examination table, and position her legs apart on the bilateral stirrups—adopting the lithotomy position.

2. After disinfecting the patient’s external genitalia, lubricate the tips of both blades of the disposable speculum with liquid paraffin.

3. Wearing sterile gloves, the examiner uses the left hand to gently separate the labia minora while inserting the disposable speculum slowly into the vagina with the right hand.

4. Once the speculum reaches the level of the cervix, adjust it to the correct orientation (i.e., aligning the speculum’s longitudinal axis with the cervical axis), then gently open the two blades to fully expose the cervix for observation.

5. After completing visual inspection and specimen collection, first close the speculum blades, then carefully withdraw the speculum.

6. The examiner cleans the patient’s external genitalia with gauze; the patient may then dress and leave the examination room.