Vaginosis Wet Prep Exam

Trichomonas, Trich, Trichomonas vaginalis, Clue Cells, Yeast, Vaginosis, Vaginitis

Test Codes

EPIC: LAB1231043

Department

Microbiology

Instructions

NOTE: The preferred test for diagnosing vaginitis is the Vaginitis PCR Panel (LAB1231839). For specimen collection guidance, please refer to the ‘Specimen Collection Criteria’ section in the Vaginitis PCR Panel.

If clinicians are only concerned about Trichomonas vaginalis, the preferred test is the Trichomonas PCR (LAB1230888). If concerned about bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, or vaginal candidiasis, order the Vaginitis PCR Panel.

Specimens for Wet Prep exam must be received in the lab within 2 hours of collection. Testing will be cancelled if received beyond 2 hours from collection.

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect: Vaginal specimen using the ESwab transport system.

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Maintain specimen at room temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F) or refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F) prior to courier transport. Transport specimens to the Laboratory within 2 hours of collection. Testing will be cancelled if the specimen is received >2 hours from collection.

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: ESwab, saline at room temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F) or refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F).

Rejection Criteria

• Specimens collected with cotton tips on wooden shafts.
• Specimens collected from sources other than the vaginal cavity.
• Specimens received >2 hours from collection.

In-Lab Processing

Specimens at room temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F) or refrigerated must be tested within 2 hours of collection. Specimens frozen at -20°C/-4°F or below are unacceptable.

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 2 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 2 hours
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): Unacceptable

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 7 days

Laboratory

Royal Oak Microbiology Laboratory

Performed

Sunday – Saturday.
STAT results available within 1 hour of receipt in the Microbiology Laboratory. Routine results available within 4 hours of receipt in the Microbiology Laboratory.

Reference Range

No yeast seen. No 'Clue' cells seen. No Trichomonas seen.

NOTE: A false negative result may occur if the specimen is inadequately collected.

Test Methodology

Microscopic analysis (clue cells, yeast, and trichomonas).

Interpretation

• A wet prep exam of vaginal fluid can demonstrate the presence of specialized epithelial cells coated with bacteria known as 'clue cells' and yeast. Bacterial vaginosis is a clinical syndrome characterized by a shift in the vaginal microbiota. Yeast is an indicator of yeast vaginitis.

• A positive antigen is diagnostic of infection or carriage. T. vaginalis is site specific and cannot survive outside the urogenital system. While vaginitis is the most common presentation, other complications include dysuria, endometriosis, infertility, low birth weight, and cervical erosion.

Clinical Utility

Clinical manifestations are not reliable criteria for the diagnosis of trichomoniasis. Demonstration of the parasite is required for accurate diagnosis of infection. If classic features such as a frothy vaginal discharge are used alone for diagnosis of trichomoniasis, 88% of infected women will not be diagnosed and 29% of uninfected women will be incorrectly diagnosed as having the parasite.

Reference

1. Leber, A.L. and S. Novak-Weekley. 2015. Intestinal and Urogenital Amebae, Flagellates, and Cliates. In: Jorgensen, J.H. et. al. (eds.). Manual of Clinical Microbiology. 11^th edition. ASM Press. Washington, D.C., pg. 2399-2425.

CPT Codes

87808, 87210.

Contacts

Last Updated

3/12/2026