Sexual Health | Pathology | Diagnosing Bacterial Vaginosis

Diagnosing Bacterial Vaginosis
Session Overview
Description
This session explains how to diagnose bacterial vaginosis (BV), the testing procedures and equipment used.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Identify the two main methods used in the clinical setting to make a diagnosis of BV
• Describe what samples are needed, and how to diagnose BV, using each method
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the two methods
• Discuss the role of repeat testing after treatment for BV

Prerequisites
Before commencing this session you should complete sessions:

• Module 02/Interpreting Laboratory Tests (260-0018)
• Module 10/Vaginal Discharge (260-0117)

On completion of this session you will be familiar with the equipment and samples you need to make a diagnosis of Bacterial Vaginosis (BV).

It will cover what diagnostic tests are available, how to perform them, their sensitivity and specificity, and how to interpret them.

You should be able to describe the two main methods currently used in clinical settings to diagnose BV.

You should also understand the role of repeat testing for BV following treatment.