The whiff test is a test for the fishy odor that occurs in bacterial vaginosis (previously called Gardnerella vaginitis and nonspecific vaginitis). A drop of KOH is mixed with some vaginal discharge. A positive test is abnormal and consists of a characteristic fishy odor.
How does the whiff test work?
In the whiff test, vaginal discharge is placed on a slide with 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution. A positive test result is the release of an amine (fishy) odor after the addition of KOH to the discharge. The odor is due to the release of amines such as putrescine, cadaverine, histamine, and trimethylamine.
How accurate is a whiff test?
Although the whiff test is one of the most common clinical tests in primary care, its reliability has never been assessed.
What is the positive result of the amine whiff test?
AMINE (WHIFF) TEST RESULT: The result should be reported as follows: Positive: The presence of a fishy odor following addition of KOH to the vaginal sample. Negative: The absence of a fishy odor following addition of KOH to the vaginal sample.
How do I restore my pH balance?
Natural remedies to restore balance
- Avoiding harsh soaps and douching. Soaps typically have a high pH, and using them to clean the vaginal area may increase vaginal pH.
- Taking a probiotic supplement or suppository.
- Changing tampons regularly.
- Using barrier protection during sex.
Can he smell my BV?
He has also had partners report they can smell his malodour. He refrains from sex altogether during an episode of BV and will visit his doctor if he knows he is going to have sex so that he will have antibiotic treatment on hand when he gets BV after intercourse.
Is BV caused by poor hygiene?
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is caused by the overgrowth of the natural vaginal bacteria. BV is a common infection, especially among pregnant women. The cause of BV is not fully understood; it is not caused by poor hygiene. The women affected by BV may not show any signs or symptoms.
Is bacterial vaginosis an STD?
BV isn’t considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD). But the chances of getting it seem to go up with the number of sexual partners a woman has.
What do you need to know about the whiff test?
The whiff test involves a 10 per cent mixture of potassium hydroxide (KOH) mixed into vaginal secretions that reacts with amines in your fluids and then smells fishy if bacterial vaginosis (BV) (involving certain bacteria) is present.
How is the whiff test used to diagnose BV?
The diagnosis of BV rests on four criteria, one of which is the “whiff test.” 4 The whiff test is performed by mixing a sample of vaginal discharge with potassium hydroxide and smelling the sample for a characteristic fishy odor. 5
What kind of hydroxide is used for a whiff test?
A drop of 10% potassium hydroxide is added to a drop of vaginal discharge on a microscope slide. If the test is positive a distinct fishy smell, from the production of amines, becomes apparent.
What is the role of a whiff test ( amine odor test )?
A whiff test is performed by adding several drops of 10% potassium hydroxide to a sample of vaginal discharge. A strong fishy odor is indicative of a positive test result. Such a result may suggest either trichomoniasis or bacterial vaginosis. Thus, the whiff test should not be considered an accurate means of diagnosing trichomoniasis.
