Abstract
To determine the interobserver reliability of microscopic assessment of saline-prepared vaginal fluid. Blind-paired microscopic assessments of saline-prepared vaginal fluid collected from women presenting for gynecologic care were compared using concordance and weighted chance-corrected agreement statistics (κ). Vaginal fluid from 105 women was collected and examined by 65 distinct observer pairs. The mean age of participants was 39 years, with vaginal itch (29%) followed by discharge (21%) as the most common presenting complaints. The κ value for microscopic findings ranged from 0.28 (normal flora) to 0.50 (clue cells >20%). The κ value for vaginitis diagnoses ranged from 0.25 (atrophic vaginitis) to 0.45 (bacterial vaginosis). Interobserver agreement in the microscopic assessment of vaginal fluid is at best moderate. The value of microscopy in the diagnosis of vaginitis is uncertain, and effort should be directed to improve the precision of this tool.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
