New method for the self assessment of the pH-value of the vaginal secretions by an indicator coated panty liner - First preliminary communication

Background: The measurement of the pH-value in the secretions of the vagina is one of the most important early diagnostic methods to recognize disturb ances of the vaginal milieu in order to prevent the very early premature de liveries. Up to now, within the framework of a prenatal care program, the a cidity of the vagina was assessed by the women themselves "invasively" by i ntroduction of a special indicator device (pH-strips or disposable pH-measu ring gloves). Now we have developed a possibility to assess the pH-value ju st by simple inspection of an indicator coated panty liner, which is worn f or a couple of hours. The results can be assessed by comparing the color of the indicator with a standard scale. Results: It was possible to assess the pH in 77% of 133 parallel measuremen ts comparing the pH of the vagina and of the indicator coated panty liner i n 19 pregnant women. An agreement of the two methods for pH-determination w as found in 66%. Conclusions: These results are encouraging and further investigation in lar ger series of cases are in progress.