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 odor usually are enough signs that bacterial vaginosis is present.

Tests for bacterial vaginosis

Normal	No abnormal vaginal discharge is present on vaginal exam.
	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 odor 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, grayish white vaginal discharge is present on vaginal exam. The discharge often looks shiny and has small bubbles. A fishy odor 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:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: April 28, 2006
Medical Review:	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH - Infectious Disease
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