BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS/VAGINAL CANDIDIASIS, MICROSCOPY, GRAM STAIN, VAGINAL SWAB

Test Code: GVAG

Test Indications:
Symptomatic vaginal discharge, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, or abnormal discharge on pelvic examination. THIS TEST SHOULD NOT BE PERFORMED ON ASYMPTOMATIC PATIENTS.

Recommendations:
Testing for bacterial vaginosis should be limited to adult women and post-pubertal girls and should not be performed for women after menopause unless they are receiving hormone-replacement therapy.  Testing will not be performed on women over 70 years of age.  The performance characteristics of this test are not known for transgendered populations and results may be unreliable.  To obtain the specimen, swab the fluid from the posterior fornix or vaginal vault with a sterile swab after removing excess discharge.
 
Patient Preparation Instructions:
Accurate patient identification must be made prior to sample collection.
Samples and requisitions must be labeled/completed in accordance with the Shared Health Specimen Acceptance Policy.

_SH Microbiology - Provincial Requisition (R250-10-06)

A descriptive report will be provided. The report will indicate that the specimen stain is consistent with bacterial vaginosis, consistent with altered vaginal flora not meeting criteria for vaginosis or inconsistent with bacterial vaginosis.

Daily

YEAST, CULTURE, VAGINAL SWAB/VULVA SWAB/THROAT SWAB/MOUTH SWAB/CONJUNCTIVAL SWAB/ESOPHAGEAL BRUSHINGS

Specimen Handling:
Submit specimen within 24 hours of collection, store at room temperature. Ensure specimens are sent using appropriate packaging in accordance with Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulation.