MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Vaginitis test

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Vaginitis test - wet mount

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names Definition How the test is performed How to prepare for the test How the test will feel	Why the test is performed Normal Values What abnormal results mean What the risks are Special considerations

Illustrations

Female reproductive anatomy

The wet mount vaginitis test

Uterus

Pap smear

Alternative names Return to top

Wet prep

Definition Return to top

This is a test for vaginitis (an infection of the vagina that does not include the urinary tract). The symptoms may include itching, pain, vaginal odor, and a vaginal discharge.

How the test is performed Return to top

You will be asked to lie on your back with your feet in the stirrups. A pelvic examination will be done, and a speculum (an instrument used to keep the vagina open in order to examine the interior) will be inserted into your vagina and opened slightly.

A sterile, moist cotton swab is inserted, and a sample of the discharge is taken. The swab is removed and then the speculum. Slides are prepared, one with a salt solution and one with a potassium hydroxide solution, then viewed under a microscope.

How to prepare for the test Return to top

Do not douche for 24-hours before the test.

For infants and children:
The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age, previous experiences, and level of trust. For general information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following:

Infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
Toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
Preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
Schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
Adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

How the test will feel Return to top

There may be a slight discomfort with the pelvic examination.

Why the test is performed Return to top

The test looks for the cause of the vaginal irritation and discharge.

Normal Values Return to top

A normal value occurs when there is no indication of an infection.

What abnormal results mean Return to top

Abnormal results indicate infection, and the most common infections are caused by one of these sources, or a combination:

A vaginal yeast infection (caused by Candida albicans) -- resulting in a white, cheesy discharge; severe itching; painful intercourse; and a rash or vaginal inflammation.
Trichomoniasis, an infection caused by a protozoan parasite -- produces a yellowish, frothy, foul-smelling discharge. Sores can develop on the cervix. There may be pain on urination or intercourse.
A bacterial infection (gardnerella vaginalis or hemophilus vaginalis) -- producing bacterial vaginosis. The symptoms are a heavy, white, fishy-smelling discharge. There may be a rash or painful intercourse, or odor after intercourse.

Different treatments are necessary for each type of infection.

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

Atrophic vaginitis (associated with lack of estrogen)

What the risks are Return to top

There are no risks.

Special considerations Return to top

If the infection is caused by trichomoniasis or a bacterium, the sexual partner should be treated also. This prevents the partners from being re-infected after the treatment.

It is possible to have an inflammation of the vagina from chemical irritation (such as from bubble bath or vaginal spray), mechanical abrasion (a scraping away at the surface), or a lack of estrogen.

Update Date: 5/11/2004

Updated by: Sharon Roseanne Thompson, M.D., M.P.H., Clinical Fellow, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.