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Vaginal Wet Mount

Test Overview

A vaginal wet mount (sometimes called a vaginal smear) is a test to find the cause of vaginitis, or inflammation of the vagina and the vulva.

Vaginitis is often caused by an infection. The most common infections that can cause vaginitis include bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and trichomoniasis.

For the wet mount, a sample of vaginal discharge is placed on a slide. The sample is then tested and looked at under a microscope to check for bacteria, yeast, trichomoniasis, and white blood cells.

Why It Is Done

A vaginal wet mount is done to find the cause of vaginal itching, burning, rash, odor, or discharge.

How To Prepare

You don't need to do anything to prepare for this test.

How It Is Done

You will take off your clothes below the waist and drape a gown around your waist. You will then lie on your back on an examination table with your feet and legs supported by footrests.

Your doctor will place a tool called a speculum into your vagina. The speculum helps to open the vagina a little bit, which allows your doctor to see the inside of the vagina and the cervix.

Samples of fluid inside the vagina are taken with a swab. The sample is put on a slide for testing.

How It Feels

You may feel some discomfort when the speculum is inserted, especially if your vagina is irritated and tender. There may be a small amount of bleeding after this test.

Risks

There are no problems from collecting a sample of vaginal secretions.

Results

Your doctor may talk to you about the results after the test. If the sample needs to be looked at by a lab, the results may be ready in 1 to 2 days.

Vaginal discharge

Normal:

No abnormal vaginal discharge is present.

Abnormal:

A white, lumpy discharge that looks like cottage cheese may mean a vaginal yeast infection is present. A yellow-green, foamy discharge that has a bad odor may mean trichomoniasis is present. A thin, gray-white vaginal discharge with a strong fishy odor may mean bacterial vaginosis is present.

Wet mount

Normal:

No yeast, bacteria, trichomoniasis, or clue cells are found on the slide. White blood cells are not present or very low in number.

Abnormal:

High numbers of white blood cells often mean a vaginal infection. Yeast cells found on the wet mount may mean a vaginal yeast infection is present. Trichomonads on the wet mount mean trichomoniasis is present. Clue cells may mean bacterial vaginosis is present.

Vaginal pH

Normal:

Vaginal pH is about 3.8–4.5.

Abnormal:

Vaginal pH is higher than 4.5. A higher pH may be caused by bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis.

Credits

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Dear patient

I am excited to announce that I will be relocating my practice to Houston Methodist DeBakey Cardiology Associates. Starting November 4, 2024, my new address will be:

Houston Methodist DeBakey Cardiology Associates
6550 Fannin St.
Smith Tower, Suite 1901
Houston, TX 77030

Please note that my phone number and fax number will also change to the following:
24-Hour Telephone: 713-441-1100
Fax: 713-790-2643
Clinical Support Telephone (M-F, 8-5): 713-441-3515

I am excited about caring for you in my new office and hope you will make the transition with me. I will also continue to refill your medications as I have in the past. To assist, please provide your pharmacy with my new contact information.

Please consider checking your prescription refills to verify that you have enough medication on hand to last you until your next visit. Please note that your medical records will remain at my former office until you authorize their transfer. If you choose for me to continue providing your medical care, please complete and sign the enclosed “Authorization for Release of Medical Records” form and fax it to 713-790-2643. Once we receive your authorization, we will be happy to process the request for you.

Thank you for entrusting me with your medical care. My new team and I are dedicated to making this transition as seamless as possible. For help scheduling an appointment and transitioning your care, please call my new office number above.

I look forward to continuing your care at my new location.

Sincerely,
Gopi A. Shah, MD

Dear patient

Dr. Albert Raizner, Dr. Michael Raizner, and Dr. Mohamed El-Beheary are excited to announce that our practice, Houston Cardiovascular Associates, will merge with Houston Cardiovascular Associates on November 1, 2024.

Our new offices are similarly located in Houston, near the Texas Medical Center and in Sugar Land. Our in-hospital care will continue at Houston Methodist Hospital in the Texas Medical Center and Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. Importantly, our new offices expand our services with state-of-the-art equipment and amenities. Our core values will always be, as they began over 40 years ago when Dr. Albert Raizner founded HCA:

Integrity – Compassion – Accountability

Our new address and contact information are:

Your medical records are confidential and remain available at our new locations. We consider it a privilege to serve as your cardiologists and look forward to your continuing with us. However, should you desire to transfer to another physician, you may request a copy of your records by contacting us at our new addresses and phone numbers listed above.

We thank you for your trust and loyalty. As always, we will continue to be here to take care of you. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Dr. Albert Raizner,
Dr. Michael Raizner,
Dr. Mohamed El-Beheary