I'm glad to read that you're going to get sorted out pretty quickly. I would want a general anaesthetic rather than a local. smiley: ohwell The last time I was in hospital, five years ago now, we had those swabs taken every couple of days if I remember correctly. I really think that it's the nurses who need to use the gel more than the patients or visitors, however. I only saw one nurse regularly use it. smiley: eek Hazel