Definition of Vaginitis test - wet mount:

The vaginitis wet mount test is a test to detect an infection of the vagina that does not involve the urinary tract.

See also: Vaginitis

How the test is performed:

You will be asked to lie on your back with your feet in the stirrups. The health care provider will perform a pelvic examination and then insert an instrument called a speculum into the vagina. The speculum is slightly opened. This holds the vagina open and allows the health care provider to see inside.

The health care provider inserts a sterile, moist cotton swab into the vagina to take a sample of discharge. The swab and speculum are removed. The discharge is placed onto a slide and placed under a microscope so that it can be checked for signs of infection.

How to prepare for the test:

Do not douche for 24 hours before the test.

How the test will feel:

There may be slight discomfort with the pelvic examination and when the speculum is inserted.

Why the test is performed:

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

Normal Values:

A normal test result means there are no signs of an infection.

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
• Trichomoniasis -- a sexually transmitted disease
• Vaginal yeast infection

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

• Atrophic vaginitis (associated with lack of estrogen)

What the risks are:

There are no risks associated with this test.

Special considerations:

For information on treatment and prevention, please see the article on vaginitis.