Vaginal fluid pH as a screening test for vaginitis

Objective: To assess how effective the pH test can detect infectious vagini tis. 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 v aginal examination. Specimens were collected for microbiological examinatio n and measurement of pH level. Results: Among 422 women recruited, a vagina l fluid pH level greater than 4.5 was found in 149 (35.3%) cases. The vagin al fluid pH as a screening test for infectious vaginitis showed a sensitivi ty of 49.7% (95% C.I.: 42.6-56.9). When using vaginal fluid pH combined wit h clinical symptoms and signs to screen for vaginitis the sensitivity was 6 7.5% (95% C.I.: 60.4-73.9), If a pH test was used to screen for BV, its sen sitivity was 73.4% (95% C.I.; 60.7-83.3). Using a pH test in combination wi th clinical symptoms and signs of vaginitis to screen for BV, its sensitivi ty was 81.3% (95% C.I.: 69.2-89.5). Conclusion: Vaginal fluid pH combined w ith clinical symptoms and signs had a considerably high sensitivity to scre en for BV. (C) 1999 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics.