Main content Vaginal Wet Mount

    Vaginal Wet Mount



    Results

    A vaginal wet mount (sometimes called a vaginal smear) is a test to find the cause of vaginitis, or inflammation of the vagina and the area around the vagina (vulva). Your doctor may talk to you about the results after the test. If the sample needs to be looked at by a lab, the results may be ready in 1 to 2 days.

    Vaginal discharge
    Normal:

    No abnormal vaginal discharge is present. A small amount of discharge is normal.
    Abnormal:

    A white, lumpy discharge that looks like cottage cheese may mean a vaginal yeast infection is present. A yellow-green, foamy discharge that has a bad odor may mean Reference trichomoniasis Opens New Window is present. A thin, gray-white vaginal discharge with a strong fishy odor may mean Reference bacterial vaginosis Opens New Window is present.

     

    Wet mount
    Normal:

    No yeast, bacteria, trichomoniasis, or Reference clue cells Opens New Window are found on the slide. White blood cells are not present or very low in number.
    Abnormal:

    High numbers of white blood cells often mean a vaginal infection. Yeast cells found on the wet mount mean a vaginal yeast infection is present. Trichomonads on the wet mount mean trichomoniasis is present. Clue cells means bacterial vaginosis is present. If many Gardnerella vaginalis bacteria are present, this also may mean bacterial vaginosis is present.

     

    KOH slide
    Normal:

    No yeast is found.
    Abnormal:

    Yeast cells means a yeast infection is present.

     

    Vaginal pH Reference 1
    Normal:

    Vaginal Reference pH Opens New Window is 3.8–4.5.
    Abnormal:

    Vaginal pH is higher than 4.5.

     

    Whiff test
    Normal:

    Adding potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution to vaginal discharge does not cause a fishy odor.
    Abnormal:

    A fishy odor made by the whiff test means bacterial vaginosis is present.



    By: Reference Healthwise Staff Last Revised: Reference August 1, 2012
    Medical Review: Reference Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
    Reference Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology


    This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.


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