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Vaginitis test - wet mount
Wet prep
The vaginitis wet mount test is a test to detect an infection of the vagina.
How the Test is Performed
- You lie on your back on the exam table. Your feet are supported by footrests.
- The health care provider gently inserts an instrument (speculum) into the vagina to hold it open so the provider can see inside.
- A sterile, moist cotton swab is gently inserted into the vagina to take a sample of discharge.
- The swab and speculum are removed.
The discharge is sent to a lab. There, it is placed onto a slide. It is then viewed under a microscope and checked for signs of infection.
How to Prepare for the Test
- In the 2 days before the test, DO NOT use creams or other medicines in the vagina.
- DO NOT douche. (You should never douche. Douching can cause infection of the vagina or uterus.)
How the Test will Feel
There may be slight discomfort when the speculum is inserted into the vagina.
Why the Test is Performed
The test looks for the cause of vaginal irritation and discharge.
Normal Results
A normal test result means there are no signs of an infection.
Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Abnormal results mean there is an infection. The most common infections are due to one or a combination of the following:
- Bacterial vaginosis. Bacteria that normally live in the vagina overgrow, causing a heavy, white, fishy-smelling discharge and possibly a rash, painful intercourse, or odor after intercourse.
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Trichomoniasis
, a sexually transmitted disease
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis.
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Vaginal yeast infection
Vaginal yeast infection
Vaginal yeast infection is an infection of the vagina. It is most commonly due to the fungus Candida albicans.
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Risks
There are no risks with this test.
References
Croft AC, Woods GL. Specimen collection and handling for diagnosis of infectious diseases. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods . 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 63.
Eckert LO, Lentz GM. Infections of the lower and upper genital tracts: vulva, vagina, cervix, toxic shock syndrome, endometritis, and salpingitis. In: Lentz GM, Lobo RA, Gershenson DM, Katz VL. eds. Comprehensive Gynecology . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2012:chap 23.
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Female reproductive anatomy - illustration
External structures of the female reproductive anatomy include the labium minora and majora, the vagina and the clitoris. Internal structures include the uterus, ovaries and cervix.
Female reproductive anatomy
illustration
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The wet mount vaginitis test - illustration
A vaginitis test looks for the cause of vaginal irritation and discharge, which is usually a yeast, bacterial or parasitic infection.
The wet mount vaginitis test
illustration
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Uterus - illustration
The uterus is a hollow muscular organ located in the female pelvis between the bladder and rectum. The ovaries produce the eggs that travel through the fallopian tubes. Once the egg has left the ovary it can be fertilized and implant itself in the lining of the uterus. The main function of the uterus is to nourish the developing fetus prior to birth.
Uterus
illustration
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Pap smear - illustration
During a Pap smear, cells from the outside and the canal of the cervix are retrieved by gently scraping the outside of the cervix. The Pap smear is performed to detect cancerous or precancerous conditions of the cervix.
Pap smear
illustration
-
Female reproductive anatomy - illustration
External structures of the female reproductive anatomy include the labium minora and majora, the vagina and the clitoris. Internal structures include the uterus, ovaries and cervix.
Female reproductive anatomy
illustration
-
The wet mount vaginitis test - illustration
A vaginitis test looks for the cause of vaginal irritation and discharge, which is usually a yeast, bacterial or parasitic infection.
The wet mount vaginitis test
illustration
-
Uterus - illustration
The uterus is a hollow muscular organ located in the female pelvis between the bladder and rectum. The ovaries produce the eggs that travel through the fallopian tubes. Once the egg has left the ovary it can be fertilized and implant itself in the lining of the uterus. The main function of the uterus is to nourish the developing fetus prior to birth.
Uterus
illustration
-
Pap smear - illustration
During a Pap smear, cells from the outside and the canal of the cervix are retrieved by gently scraping the outside of the cervix. The Pap smear is performed to detect cancerous or precancerous conditions of the cervix.
Pap smear
illustration
Review Date: 8/14/2015
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director and Director of Didactic Curriculum, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
