Tests for Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial Vaginosis Tests

Results

Tests for bacterial vaginosis take samples of fluid and cells from the vagina to see if this vaginal infection is present.

A high vaginal pH, clue cells, and a fishy odour usually are enough signs that bacterial vaginosis is present.

Tests for bacterial vaginosis

Normal	No abnormal vaginal discharge is present on vaginal examination.
	A wet mount or culture does not show large numbers of bacteria, such as Gardnerella, that cause bacterial vaginosis.
	No clue cells are present.
	No fishy odour is present when a potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution is added to a sample of vaginal discharge.
	Vaginal pH is in the normal range of 3.8 to 4.5.
Abnormal	A bacterial vaginosis infection is present. A thin, greyish white vaginal discharge is present on vaginal examination. The discharge often looks shiny and has small bubbles. A fishy odour is made when a KOH solution is added to a sample of vaginal discharge. Large numbers of the types of bacteria that cause bacterial vaginosis (such as Gardnerella), clue cells, or both are present on wet mount. Vaginal pH is greater than 4.5.

 

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Author:	Carrie Henley Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: June 23, 2006
Medical Review:	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine Tom Bailey, MD - Family Medicine Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH - Infectious Disease
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