Use of the VS-sense swab in diagnosing vulvovaginitis.
BACKGROUND
Although pH assessment of vaginal secretions is beneficial for diagnosing vaginitis, it is not commonly done. The purpose of this study was to determine the performance characteristics of the VS-Sense (pH test) swab (Common Sense, Ltd., Caesarea, Israel) in augmenting the diagnosis of vaginitis.


METHODS
We prospectively studied 193 women with acute vulvovaginal symptoms and 74 asymptomatic controls at three medical centers. The VS-Sense swab was administered intravaginally, and results were interpreted by a nurse. These results were compared with final clinical and laboratory diagnoses.


RESULTS
In women with an elevated pH caused by bacterial vaginosis (BV), trichomonas, and other types of vaginitis, the VS-Sense test sensitivity and specificity were 82.3% (102 of 124) (95% CI 74.4%-88.5%) and 94.2% (129 of 137) (95% CI 88.8%-97.4%), respectively. There was an 86.2% (95% CI 81.3%-90.1%) overall agreement between pH paper and VS-Sense swab results.


CONCLUSIONS
The VS-Sense test offers an alternative approach to measuring vaginal pH with nitrazine paper. Use of this simple, more rapid test may facilitate the diagnosis of vulvovaginitis.
Sobel
Jack D
JD
Department of Internal Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA.
Nyirjesy
Paul
P
Kessary
Hadar
H
Ferris
Daron G
DG
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014621:Vagina / Q000382:microbiology*; D014626:Vaginal Smears / Q000379:methods*; D016585:Vaginosis, Bacterial / Q000382:microbiology*; D014848:Vulvovaginitis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D016387:Women's Health; D055815:Young Adult