Amsel et al developed criteria for the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis (VG) based on examination of the vaginal fluid. The authors are from the University of Washington in Seattle.
Parameters:
(1) abnormal vaginal discharge
(2) vaginal pH
(3) amine odor test (addition of 10% potassium hydroxide results in a "fishy odor")
(4) clue cells on vaginal Gram stain (>= 20% of squamous cells)
Parameters |
Findings |
Points |
abnormal vaginal discharge |
absent |
0 |
|
present (milky, creamy, grey) |
1 |
vaginal pH |
<= 4.5 |
0 |
|
> 4.5 (elevated) |
1 |
amine odor test with KOH |
negative |
0 |
|
positive |
1 |
clue cells on vaginal Gram stain |
absent |
0 |
|
present |
1 |
total score =
= SUM(points for all 4 parameters)
Interpretation:
• minimum score: 0
• maximum score: 4
• A score >= 3 indicates the presence of bacterial vaginosis.
Specialty: Infectious Diseases, Obstetrics & Gynecology