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Description

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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