Point-of-care testing in a patient with vaginal discharge

Abstract

Point-of-care testing refers to tests conducted at or close to the site of patient care. Point-of-care testing has the potential to generate rapid results that enable the clinician to offer prompt and cost-effective treatment. Vaginal discharge is a common complaint in Dermatology and Venereology practice. Analysis of vaginal smear can give valuable information regarding the condition producing vaginal discharge such as vaginal candidiasis, trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis, and gonococcal and chlamydial infections. After getting written, informed consent from the patient, the discharge specimen is collected and pH of the same is assessed. Potassium hydroxide mount, wet mount, and Gram stain study of smears prepared from vaginal discharge help to differentiate between candidiasis, trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis, and gonococcal/non-gonococcal infections. Careful collection and preparation of specimen are essential for accurate results.