Vaginitis test - wet mount

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Female reproductive anatomy

Pap smear

The wet mount vaginitis test

Uterus

This is a test for vaginitis (an infection of the vagina that does not include the urinary tract). The symptoms may include itching, pain, vaginal odor, and a vaginal discharge.

Wet prep

You will be asked to lie on your back with your feet in the stirrups. A pelvic examination will be done, and a speculum (an instrument used to keep the vagina open in order to examine the interior) will be inserted into your vagina and opened slightly.

A sterile, moist cotton swab is inserted, and a sample of the discharge is taken. The swab, and then the speculum, are removed . Slides from the discharge are prepared, then viewed under a microscope.

Do not douche for 24-hours before the test.

For infants and children:

The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age, previous experiences, and level of trust. For general information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following:

• Infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
• Toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
• Preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
• Schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
• Adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

There may be a slight discomfort with the pelvic examination.

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

Review Date: 05/15/2006
Reviewed By: Audra Robertson, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.