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Test ID GSBV Gram Stain for Bacterial Vaginosis, Varies


Specimen Required


Preferred:

Specimen Type: Vaginal swab

Supplies: Culturette (BBL Culture Swab) (T092)

Container/Tube: Culturette swab (Dacron or rayon swab with aluminum or plastic shaft with either Stuart or Amies medium)

Specimen Volume: Entire collection

Specimen Stability Information:

ESwab: Refrigerated (preferred) 7 days/Ambient 7 days

Culturette Swab: Ambient (preferred) 7 days/Refrigerated 7 days

 

Acceptable:

Specimen Type: Prepared microscope slide

Source: Vaginal swab

Supplies: Culturette (BBL Culture Swab) (T092)

Collection Container/Tube: Culturette swab (Dacron or rayon swab with aluminum or plastic shaft with either Stuart or Amies medium)

Submission Container/Tube: Slide container

Specimen Volume: Slide

Collection Instructions: Apply original sample to surface of standard microscope slide using appropriate application method (determined by consistency of specimen type) to assure adequate transfer of specimen onto slide. Allow specimen to dry and then methanol or heat-fix the slide. Place in slide container for transport.


Secondary ID

61565

Useful For

Supporting the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis

Method Name

Conventional Gram Stain Procedure and Nugent Scoring System

Reporting Name

Gram Stain for Bacterial Vaginosis

Specimen Type

Varies

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Varies Varies

Clinical Information

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) occurs when normal vaginal/urogenital microbiota (predominance of Lactobacillus species) is replaced by other bacteria (Gardnerella vaginalis, Atopobium vaginae, etc). Clinical signs of BV (Amsel's criteria) include increased vaginal pH (>4.5); thin, gray, homogeneous discharge; fishy malodor enhanced by adding potassium hydroxide; and clue cells (epithelial cells covered with bacteria that obliterate the cell border). The standard scoring system termed the "Nugent score" is a technique for assessing bacterial vaginosis using microscopic examination of a Gram-stained smear of vaginal discharge.

Reference Values

One of the 3 following reports dependent on the weighted sum balance of Lactobacillus, Gardnerella/Bacteroides, and Mobiluncus species:

1. Consistent with normal vaginal/urogenital microbiota.

2. Altered vaginal/urogenital microbiota not consistent with bacterial vaginosis. This frequently represents a transitional stage. If signs or symptoms persist, repeat testing is warranted.

3. Consistent with bacterial vaginosis.

Cautions

This scored Gram stain for diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis should be used only for women in childbearing years or postmenopausal women on estrogen replacement therapy.

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Sunday

Report Available

Same day/1 day

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Test Classification

This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.

CPT Code Information

87205

NY State Approved

Yes