Test Overview

A vaginal wet mount (sometimes called a vaginal smear) is a test to find the cause of vaginitis, or inflammation of the vagina and the vulva.

Vaginitis is often caused by an infection. The most common infections that can cause vaginitis include bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and trichomoniasis.

For the wet mount, a sample of vaginal discharge is placed on a slide. The sample is then tested and looked at under a microscope to check for bacteria, yeast, trichomoniasis, and white blood cells.

Why It Is Done

A vaginal wet mount is done to find the cause of vaginal itching, burning, rash, odour, or discharge.

How To Prepare

You don't need to do anything to prepare for this test.

How It Is Done

You will take off your clothes below the waist and drape a gown around your waist. You will then lie on your back on an examination table with your feet and legs supported by footrests.

Your doctor will place a tool called a speculum into your vagina. The speculum helps to open the vagina a little bit, which allows your doctor to see the inside of the vagina and the cervix.

Samples of fluid inside the vagina are taken with a swab. The sample is put on a slide for testing.

How It Feels

You may feel some discomfort when the speculum is inserted, especially if your vagina is irritated and tender. There may be a small amount of bleeding after this test.

Risks

There are no problems from collecting a sample of vaginal secretions.

Results

Your doctor may talk to you about the results after the test. If the sample needs to be looked at by a lab, the results may be ready in 1 to 2 days.