Bacterial Vaginosis Test Test
A bacterial vaginosis (BV) test checks a sample of vaginal discharge for harmful bacteria that cause a vaginal infection.
What this test measures
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a bacterial infection in the vagina. A healthy vagina contains a balance of both "good" (healthy) and "harmful" (unhealthy) bacteria. Normally, the good bacteria keep the harmful type under control. A BV infection happens when the normal balance is upset and more harmful bacteria grow than good bacteria. A BV test checks a sample of vaginal discharge to look for harmful bacteria.
What your results mean
Reference ranges vary by laboratory and by your age and sex. MedlinePlus does not publish a single normal range for this test — always read your result against the range printed on your own lab report and discuss it with your provider.
Higher-than-normal results
A vaginal pH over 4.5 is high, which means you're more likely to have BV. But a pH test alone can't diagnose BV.
Frequently asked questions
What is bacterial vaginosis (BV)?
BV is a bacterial infection in the vagina that happens when the normal balance of good and harmful bacteria is upset and more harmful bacteria grow.
Who can get BV?
Any woman can get BV, even women who have never had sex. But it's most common in women who are sexually active.
What are the risks of untreated BV?
Untreated BV can increase the risk of getting STDs, such as chlamydia, genital herpes, gonorrhea, or HIV. During pregnancy, it can increase the chance of preterm birth or low birth weight.
How is BV tested?
Tests include a vaginal smear (wet mount) checked under a microscope, a whiff test for odor, a vaginal pH test for acidity, and a PCR test for genetic material from harmful bacteria.
What does an abnormal result mean?
Abnormal results from a vaginal smear or whiff test mean you have a bacterial infection. A pH over 4.5 suggests BV, but a pH test alone cannot diagnose it.
Related lab tests
Sources
- MedlinePlus: Bacterial Vaginosis Test — NIH MedlinePlus
Last updated . Information is aggregated from official public sources and is not a substitute for professional medical care.