The infrequent use of office-based diagnostic tests for vaginitis.

Abstract

This study was undertaken to determine physician use of simple office-based tests in the evaluation of women with vulvovaginal symptoms. A medical record review of 52 women seeking care at a referral-based vaginitis clinic was performed. The evaluation performed and the care management were recorded for 150 previous physician-provided office visits. A microscopic assessment of vaginal fluid was not performed in 37% of office visits, and 42% of physicians did not perform microscopy as part of any evaluation of vaginitis. Whiff amine tests and measurement of vaginal pH were rarely performed (3% of office visits). Treatment without adequate evaluation of the etiology of the symptoms occurred in 54% of visits in which medication was prescribed. In our study population the evaluation and care provided to women presenting for evaluation of vulvovaginal symptoms were suboptimal. The use of simple inexpensive office-based tests can optimize the assessment of vaginal infections and should be encouraged.