Laboratory parameters of the 1st order – obligatory laboratory tests.
- Amine test (Whiff test) – by sprinkling the vaginal secretion with a 10% potassium hydroxide solution typical fishy smell (= amine colpitis).
- Measurement of the pH of the vaginal secretion [alkaline?]
- Phase contrast microscopy of vaginal secretion – live, unstained cells appear extremely low contrast in a normal brightfield microscope, these are clearly visualized by the phase contrast technique
Laboratory parameters 2nd order – depending on the results of the medical history, physical examination, etc. – for differential diagnostic clarification.
- Bacteriological/mycological/virological culture – cultivation of bacteria/fungi/viruses from the vulva and or from vaginal secretions or vesicles (herpes) in acute and recurrent inflammation.
- Bacteria* : Chlamydia trachomatis (lymphogranuloma venereum, cervicitis, adnexitis), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonorrhea, gonorrhea), Treponema pallidum (syphilis, lues), Ureaplasma urealyticum (cervicitis, adnexitis, urethritis) and others.
- Fungi: Candida albicans and other Candida species (urethritis, vaginal mycosis, vaginal candidiasis).
- Viruses: herpes viruses (cultivation from vesicle contents) method of choice.
- Virus detection
- Molecular genetic diagnostics (DNA or PCR): HIV (AIDS), herpes simplex virus type 1/2 (genital herpes), human papilloma virus (HPV; condylomata acuminata).
- Other detection: herpes viruses:
- From vesicle smear applied to a microscope slide. Determination of the virus type by fluorescence test using type-specific immune sera if necessary direct antigen test (fluorescence test).
- Histologically after biopsy (fine tissue examination of a tissue sample).
- Colposcopic: dabbing with 3% acetic acid (affected skin areas turn white).
- Cytological smear (“cancer smear”).
- Parasite detection (microscopic): crabs (Pediculi pubis), oxyurans (pinworms), scabies (scabies), Trichomonas vaginalis (trichomoniasis).
- Antibodies against Chlamydia trachomatis, Treponema pallidum (TPHA, VDRL, etc.), (due toExclusion of sexually transmitted infections).
- Biopsy for histological examination
- Cytology
* Note: Detection of sexually transmitted germs (STD) in prepubertal girls and sexual abuse:
- Neisseria gonorhoeae – proving.
- Treponema pallidum – evidential
- Chlamydia trachomatis – strongly suspicious
- Trichomonas vaginalis – strongly suspected
- Human papillomaviruses (HPV) – possible
- Herpes simplex – possible
