Bacterial Vaginosis Tests - Kaiser Permanente

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Test Overview

Tests for bacterial vaginosis take samples of fluid from the vagina. The samples are looked at under a microscope to see if they show signs of infection.

Bacterial vaginosis can happen when certain types of bacteria that are normally in the vagina overgrow. It doesn't always cause symptoms. But the most common symptom is an increase in vaginal discharge. The discharge often has a fishy odor.

Tests

Tests for bacterial vaginosis include:

  • Wet mount. A sample of vaginal discharge is checked for bacteria, white blood cells, and unusual cells called clue cells. If clue cells are found, it means you may have bacterial vaginosis.
  • Whiff test. A sample of discharge is checked to see if a strong fishy odor is created when a special solution is added. A fishy odor usually means you have bacterial vaginosis.
  • Vaginal pH. The pH of a sample of vaginal discharge is measured. Bacterial vaginosis often causes a pH that is higher than normal.
  • DNA test. A sample of vaginal discharge is tested for the genetic material, or DNA, of this bacteria.

Why It Is Done

Tests for bacterial vaginosis are done to help find the cause of symptoms such as abnormal vaginal discharge, irritation, or pain.

How To Prepare

Your doctor may ask you not to douche, have sex, or use vaginal medicines for 24 hours before this test.

How It Is Done

You will take off your clothes below the waist. You'll have a gown to drape around your waist. You will then lie on your back on an examination table with your feet supported by footrests. This is similar to having a pelvic examination or Pap test.

Your doctor will place a speculum into your vagina. It opens the vagina a little bit. This allows your doctor to see the inside of the vagina and the cervix.

Samples of fluid inside the vagina are then collected with a swab.

How It Feels

You may feel some discomfort when the speculum is put in, especially if your vagina is irritated and tender.

Risks

There is little chance of having a problem from a bacterial vaginosis test.

Results

Tests for bacterial vaginosis

Normal

There is no abnormal discharge in the vagina.

A wet mount does not show clue cells or large numbers of bacteria that cause bacterial vaginosis.

Adding a special solution to a sample of the discharge doesn't cause a fishy odor.

Vaginal pH is in the normal range.

Abnormal

There is a thin, grayish white discharge in the vagina.

A wet mount shows clue cells or large numbers of the types of bacteria that cause bacterial vaginosis, or both.

Adding a special solution to a sample of the discharge causes a fishy odor.

Vaginal pH is higher than normal.

Related Information

  • Medical Tests: Questions to Ask the Doctor

Credits

Current as of: May 5, 2025

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC StaffClinical Review BoardAll Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

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Credits

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Related Information Top of the page

Current as of: May 5, 2025

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review BoardAll Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Topic Contents

  1. Vagina
  2. Pelvic Exam With Speculum

Current as of: May 5, 2025

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review BoardAll Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

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The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.

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