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Gram Stain for Bacterial Vaginosis
Test CodeXBV
Alias/See Also
BV Smear Nugent Score
Preferred Specimen
Vaginal Swab
Minimum Volume
1 swab
Other Acceptable Specimens
One (1) air dried smear on clear glass slide in slide holder
Transport Container
Collection container (swab) or slide holder
Transport Temperature
Room temperature.
Deliver to the laboratory immediately.
Deliver to the laboratory immediately.
Methodology
A criterion-based gram stain for the microscopic diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis. The Nugent criteria are used in evaluating the smear.
Report Available
Next day
Limitations
Culture should not be used for the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a syndrome involving a shift in the concentrations of aerobic and anaerobic flora of the genitourinary tract flora from a predominant presence of Lactobacillus sp. to that of a mixture of anaerobes, Gardnerella vaginalis and other gram-negative bacteria. Culturing for a particular organism, such as Gardnerella vaginalis, or any single organism or combination of organisms is not specific for the diagnosis of BV. Use of a scored Gram stain that demonstrates whether there has been a shift in the vaginal flora from predominantly gram-positive Lactobacillus to a gram-negative flora has been shown to correlate well with the Amsel criteria for the diagnosis of BV. The primary reason for performing a Gram stain on vaginal secretions is to diagnose bacterial vaginosis.
Reference Range
See Laboratory Report
Clinical Significance
Bacterial vaginosis in the symptomatic patient is defined as a shift in the vaginal flora from predominately lactobacilli to a variety of other morphologies.
