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.
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