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Bacterial vaginosis - Management
When and how should I test a pregnant woman for bacterial vaginosis?
- Examination and further tests are recommended in all pregnant women with characteristic symptoms of bacterial vaginosis.
- Perform a speculum examination (unless the woman has a low-lying placenta).
- If pH paper is available, test the pH of the vaginal fluid.
- Take a high vaginal swab for Gram staining and to exclude other causes of vaginal discharge.
- Samples should be placed in transport media (such as Amie's or Stuart's medium). A Gram stain for mixed flora suggestive of BV and a trichomoniasis culture should be requested from the laboratory.
- If there is a delay in transportation, the swab should be refrigerated at 4°C for no longer than 48 hours.
- If the woman is at high risk of a sexually transmitted infection, specimens for chlamydia and gonorrhoea should also be sent, according to local laboratory procedures.
- For further information, see the CKS topic on Vaginal discharge.
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