Thanks so much for choosing to be part of the Australian Human Microbiome Biobank (AHMB)! By donating a vaginal sample, you’re contributing to a project that has the potential to shape the future of medicine—thank you for being a part of it.
To make sure your collection goes smoothly, we’ve put together this simple guide. It only takes a few minutes, and reading everything before you begin will help you feel more confident and prepared.
On-Site Donations
At the AHMB, on-site donation is our standard practice. Donating at our facility within the Translational Research Institute at Woolloongabba ensures your sample is processed promptly under carefully controlled conditions that preserve the native microbial community.
The vaginal microbiome is a delicate and dynamic ecosystem. Rapid handling and stabilisation of your sample are essential to accurately capture its composition, which can change quickly once exposed to air, temperature shifts or delays in processing. By collecting your sample on-site, we protect its integrity and maximise its scientific value—ensuring it reflects your natural microbiome as closely as possible.
What’s in Your Collection Kit?
Here’s what you’ll find inside your kit:
- 1 x sterile swab and 1 x tube with a small amount of liquid (sealed in a packet)
- 1 x clear plastic bag with a QR code attached
Be sure everything is there before getting started!
How to Collect Your Sample
Step 1: Get Set Up
Open the pouch and find the tube with the liquid inside. Set it on a clean surface—you’ll come back to it soon.
Step 2: Open the Swab
Carefully remove the swab by the handle. Be sure not to touch the soft tip or any part below the coloured line—this keeps your sample clean and usable.
If the tip touches anything (including your hands), or if you drop it, that’s okay! Just let us know and we can grab you a new one!
Step 3: Collect the Sample
Gently open the folds of skin at your vaginal opening and insert the swab about 3 cm into your vagina (around the length of your fingertip). Gently rotate the swab in full circles for 20 seconds, making contact with the vaginal walls. Then slowly remove it.
Step 4: Secure the Swab in the Tube
Unscrew the cap from the tube with the stabilising liquid. Insert the swab into the tube and snap the stick at the marked break point so the tip stays inside. Discard the handle.
Step 5: Seal It Up
Screw the cap on tightly to prevent leaks. Throw away the swab handle and wrapper, then place the sealed tube into the small clear bag with the QR code. Place into the AHMB tote bag and hand it back to the staff member helping you.
Step 6: Finish with the Questionnaires
Check your email and complete the two quick questionnaires we sent you. These give us important background information that helps make your sample even more valuable for research.
A Few Helpful Tips
- Wash your hands before and after collecting your sample.
- Choose a quiet, private space where you can focus.
- If possible, avoid vaginal products, douching, or sex for 24 hours before collection.
If you’re unsure about anything—or think the swab might have been contaminated—just ask the AHMB staff member and we can get you a new one! No problem at all!
Questions? We’re Here to Help
If you’re feeling unsure or just want to double-check something, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can email our team anytime at admin@ahmb.com.au.
Thanks again for being part of this exciting research. Every sample brings us one step closer to unlocking the secrets of the human microbiome—and we couldn’t do it without you!
If you haven’t already, and you’re interested in becoming a donor, please visit Get Involved to register.
Stay tuned for updates as we expand the AHMB by following our LinkedIn, X or Bluesky.