Wet Mount

Function

A Wet Mount, also known as a vaginal smear or saline mount, is a diagnostic test where a sample of vaginal or urethral discharge is placed on a slide with a saline solution and examined under a microscope. This allows for the immediate visualization of moving organisms and cellular structures.

Why it is Ordered

This is a frontline test for patients experiencing symptoms of vaginitis or urethritis, such as:

• Abnormal vaginal discharge (unusual color, odor, or consistency).
• Itching or irritation in the genital area.
• Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia).
• Burning during urination.

Associated Conditions

• Bacterial Vaginosis (BV): Characterized by the presence of 'clue cells' (epithelial cells covered in bacteria) and a lack of normal lactobacilli.
• Candidiasis (Yeast Infection): Identified by the presence of budding yeast cells or hyphae (branching structures).
• Trichomoniasis: A sexually transmitted infection caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, which is visible due to its characteristic swimming motion.
• Atrophic Vaginitis: Observed through changes in cell types, often in postmenopausal women.

The test is valued for its speed, providing a diagnosis within minutes during a clinical visit, allowing for immediate treatment initiation.