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Vaginal fluid pH as a screening test for vaginitis
Author(s) -
Thinkhamrop J.,
Lumbiga P.,
Thongkrajai P.,
Chongsomchai C.,
Pakarasang M.
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
international journal of gynecology and obstetrics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.895
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1879-3479
pISSN - 0020-7292
DOI - 10.1016/s0020-7292(99)00057-0
Subject(s) - medicine , vaginitis , vaginal discharge , physical examination , trichomonas vaginitis , ambulatory , vagina , vaginal disease , gynecology , gastroenterology , obstetrics , surgery
Objective: To assess how effective the pH test can detect infectious vaginitis. Methods: Ambulatory gynecological patients attending the gynecological out‐patient department of Srinagarind Hospital from May 1 to July 31, 1997 were assessed for vaginitis by history, overall physical examination and vaginal examination. Specimens were collected for microbiological examination and measurement of pH level. Results: Among 422 women recruited, a vaginal fluid pH level greater than 4.5 was found in 149 (35.3%) cases. The vaginal fluid pH as a screening test for infectious vaginitis showed a sensitivity of 49.7% (95% C.I.: 42.6–56.9). When using vaginal fluid pH combined with clinical symptoms and signs to screen for vaginitis the sensitivity was 67.5% (95% C.I.: 60.4–73.9). If a pH test was used to screen for BV, its sensitivity was 73.4% (95% C.I.; 60.7–83.3). Using a pH test in combination with clinical symptoms and signs of vaginitis to screen for BV, its sensitivity was 81.3% (95% C.I.: 69.2–89.5). Conclusion: Vaginal fluid pH combined with clinical symptoms and signs had a considerably high sensitivity to screen for BV.