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HelpEpic Code LAB3615 Gram Stain - BV/Yeast
Test Name Alias
Gram stain | BV | Bacterial Vaginosis | Yeast | 7103
Interface Order Alias
55057
Clinical Information
This test is intended for women of childbearing age since the results are not reliably interpretable for younger and older patients due to a shift in the normal vaginal flora present.
There is no standard alternative test, but below are a list of options.
1. Wound Culture (LAB2111191) of a genital swab may identify bacterial pathogens associated with genital ulcers, lesions, or abscesses, but is not recommended to diagnose vaginosis.
2. Fungal Culture (LAB240) may be more sensitive than Gram stain in detecting yeast/candidiasis, which is characterized by a white discharge, a normal pH (<4.2), and often vulvovaginal pruritis.
3. Trichomonas Antigen (LAB3691) or PCR may be helpful in diagnosing purulent vaginitis, which is characterized by yellow/green fishy malodorous discharge containing >30 WBCs per high power field.
4. Chlamydia/Gonorrhoeae PCR is the best method for diagnosing these sexually transmitted infections caused by organisms that may not grow under routine culture conditions or be reliably detected by Gram stain.
- Chlamydia PCR LAB1230886
- Chlamydia/Gonococcus PCR LAB LAB1230885
- Gonococcus PCR LAB1230887
Icons & Photos
ESwab
Collection Instructions
Specimen Type: Swab, Cervix/Vaginal Swab
Container/Tube: ESwab or Saline Collection Kit
Collection Instructions:
- Aseptically unscrew and remove the cap from the ESwab
- Place the tube in a secure position so as not to allow the liquid to leak out of the tube
- Collect the patient's sample using the swab.
- Replace the swab back into the tube of liquid
- Bend the swab shaft at the breakpoint indicated by the colored line marked on the swab shaft against the tube to break the shaft.
- Discard the broken handle part of the shaft into an approved medical waste disposal container.
- Replace the cap on the tube and secure tightly
- Write the patient's name and date of birth, include medical record number (MRN) if available
- Send the specimen to the laboratory as soon as possible
Transport Temperature: Ambient
| Specimen Type: Patient Self-Collect Swab |
|---|
Self-collected vaginal swabs may be used as opposed to provider-collected swabs. Self-collected swabs are supported by current clinical guidelines as recent studies have shown their equivalence, if not superiority, in quality and their association with increased patient satisfaction.
NOTE: Self-collection must still take place in a healthcare setting and is not approved for at-home collection.
LINK: Self-Swab for Testing
LINK: References
Specimen Stability
Ambient: 48 hours
Refrigerate: 48 hours
Laboratory Retention: 4 days
Test Frequency
Available daily, usual TAT: 1 hour once received in the Microbiology Department.
Reference Range
Gram stain for bacterial vaginosis and yeast reference range:
The presence or absence of Yeast and white cells, Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is graded as:
- Normal vaginal microbiota (NVB)
- Transitional microbiota (TM)
- Mixed morphotypes consistent with Bacterial vaginosis (MMBV)
Performing Department
Microbiology
Performing Department Laboratory Location
Corewell Health Reference Laboratory, Grand Rapids, MI
Corewell Health Big Rapids Laboratory, Big Rapids, MI
Corewell Health Blodgett Laboratory, Grand Rapids, MI
Corewell Health Gerber Laboratory, Fremont, MI
Corewell Health Kelsey Laboratory, Lakeview, MI
Corewell Health Ludington Laboratory, Ludington, MI
Corewell Health Pennock Laboratory, Hastings, MI
Corewell Health Reed City Laboratory, Reed City, MI
Corewell Health Greenville Laboratory, Greenville, MI
Corewell Health Zeeland Laboratory, Zeeland, MI
Methodology
Gram stain
CPT
87205
CDM Code
3068720501
Epic Test ID
1230101507
Mayo Access Code
SHO55057
Reviewed Date
9/7/2023