2. 1.pH of discharge: 5.7
A low pH virtually excludes BV. An elevated pH is the
most sensitive but least specific as an increase can
also associated with menstruation, recent sexual
intercourse, or infection with T. vaginalis
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3. 2.Whiff test (amine test).
Addition of 10% KOH to a sample of vaginal
discharge: fishy odor.
PPV: 90%
specificity of 70%
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4. 3.Wet film:
drop of vaginal secretion & drop of saline:
clue cells: epithelial cells covered by coccobacilli,
borders are indistinct
No WBC.
The single most sensitive & specific
operator dependent.
Debris & degenerated cells ±mistaken for clue cells
lactobacilli may adhere to epithelial cells in low
numbers.
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5. 4. Gram stain:
Gr. Variable c.bacilli
no WBC
no lactobacilli
Scoring systems which weight numbers of
lactobacilli & numbers of G vaginalis & Mobiluncus.
simple & objective method.
90% sensitivity, highly sensitive & specific
cost & need for microscopist.
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8. 5.Rapid tests:
.Diamine test: rapid, sensitive & specific
.Proline aminopeptidase test (Pip Activity test Card)
.A card test for detection of elevated pH &
trimethylamine (FemExam test card)
.DNA probe based test for high concentration of G.
vaginalis (Affirm VP III) may have clinical utility.
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9. . Pap. smear:
clue cells. Limited clinical utility because of low
sensitivity
.Culture:
It is not recommended as a diagnostic tools
because it is not specific.
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10. Amsel’s criteria
3 of the following:
.Homogenous discharge.
.pH> 4.5.
. Amine test.
.Clue cells.
Gram stain alone
corresponds well to Amsel’s criteria & to the presence
of the associated bacteria.
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