Vaginal testing applicator and method

A sheath for use with an applicator having a body to enable periodic self-testing of a body cavity for the detection of pathogens or the like comprising:

• a tubular member having an internal diameter dimension for sliding engagement over at least a portion of said applicator body and having a closed end, said end being sufficiently flexible to permit said end to be inverted and pulled down inside said tubular member;
• and
• sensor means attached to an exterior side proximate said closed end of said tubular member dimensioned to be positioned inside said tubular member when said tubular member is inverted and formed for detection of a condition in said body cavity.

A method of self-testing of a body cavity for the detection of pathogens or the like including the steps of inserting an applicator assembly including an applicator body, a retractable probe means mounted in said body and sensor means carried by said probe means into said cavity, and extending the retractable probe means beyond the front end of said applicator body to contact the cavity wall with said sensor means, wherein the improvememnt in said method comprises the steps of:

• prior to said step of inserting said applicator body into said cavity, inserting said applicator body into a flexible tubular sheath means having a closed end and said sensor means carried by an exterior surface of said sheath means proximate said closed end, said sheath means having a length extending over substantially the entire length of said applicator body,
• securing said sheath means to an end of said retractable probe means for movement therewith, and
• retracting said probe means with said sheath means secured thereto until said sensor means is inside said applicator body prior to insertion into said cavity.