Amsel’s diagnostic criteria

Definition

Amsel's diagnostic criteria are a set of clinical guidelines used to diagnose bacterial vaginosis (BV). They include four specific conditions that must be met for a diagnosis.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Amsel's criteria require the presence of three out of four specific findings: thin, white, homogeneous discharge; clue cells on microscopy; vaginal fluid pH greater than 4.5; and a positive whiff test.
2. Clue cells are vaginal epithelial cells coated with bacteria, which appear stippled or granular under the microscope.
3. The whiff test involves adding potassium hydroxide to vaginal fluid, releasing a fishy odor if BV is present.
4. Amsel's criteria are considered the gold standard for diagnosing bacterial vaginosis in clinical settings.
5. Bacterial vaginosis is associated with an imbalance in the vaginal microbiota, predominantly involving a reduction in lactobacilli and an increase in anaerobic bacteria.

Related terms

Bacterial Vaginosis:

A condition characterized by an imbalance in the vaginal microbiota leading to symptoms such as discharge and odor.

Clue Cells:

Vaginal epithelial cells covered with bacteria, indicative of bacterial vaginosis when viewed under a microscope.

Whiff Test:

A diagnostic procedure where potassium hydroxide is added to vaginal fluid to detect a fishy odor indicative of bacterial vaginosis.