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HelpTest ID GSBV Gram Stain for Bacterial Vaginosis
Useful For
Providing evidence to support the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis
Method Name
Conventional Gram Stain Procedure and Nugent Scoring System
Reporting Name
Gram Stain for Bacterial VaginosisSpecimen Type
VariesPreferred:
Specimen Type: Vaginal swab
Collection Container/Tube: Culture transport swab or ESwab
Specimen Volume: Entire collection
Specimen Stability Information:
ESwab: Refrigerated (preferred) 48 hours/Ambient 48 hours
Culture Transport Swab: Ambient (preferred) 24 hours/Refrigerated 24 hours
Acceptable:
Specimen Type: Prepared microscope slide
Source: Vaginal swab
Collection Container/Tube: Culturette swab or ESwab
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 heat-fix the slide. Place in slide container for transport.
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Varies | Varies | |
Clinical Information
Bacterial vaginosis is so-named because bacteria are the cause and an associated inflammatory response is lacking. It results in an increase in thin, gray, homogeneous vaginal discharge and vaginal malodor and is caused by a change in the vaginal flora. Bacterial vaginosis is a synergistic polymicrobial infection not caused by 1 specific organism. 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 bacterial vaginal flora.
2. Altered vaginal flora not consistent with bacterial vaginosis. This frequently represents a transitional stage. If signs and/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 post-menopausal women on estrogen replacement therapy.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday; Continuously
Report Available
Same day/1 dayPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Medical Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
This test uses a standard method. Its performance characteristics were determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
87205