New
Vaginal PH Tests
₹2,250.00
Overview
The pH of the normal human vagina is acidic and is usually maintained below 4.5 (normal range 3.9 – 5.0). Reduction and maintenance of acidic pH is the body’s natural defence mechanism to fight against infections and STIs. In the presence of any underlying vaginal infection, the vaginal pH is increased or alkalinised mainly due to disturbance in the lactobacilli population, and this forms the basis of testing vaginal pH.
About
The vaginal pH test is a diagnostic screening tool used to estimate the acidity (pH level) of the vaginal environment by visually observing a color change on a test pad. The normal vaginal pH is acidic, typically ranging from about 3.9 to 5.0. This acidity helps protect against infections by maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria, especially lactobacilli.
Specification
Overall, vaginal pH estimation is useful for screening of HPV infection, cervical cancer, bacterial vaginosis, vaginitis, trichomonas, perimenopausal status, leakage of amniotic fluid, etc.
Safety Information
1. Vaginal pH may be elevated in conditions other than STIs such as:
1.1 Pregnant women.
1.2 Sampling done on any days other than 7-12 days of menstruation cycle.
1.3 Women who had sexual intercourse within last 3 days.
1.4 Women undergoing vaginal douchings.
1.5 Women undergoing hormone replacement therapy.
1.6 Women having vaginitis (based on previous history, vaginal examination and culture in suspected cases) for prolonged period.
1.7 Women nearing menopausal age.
1.8 Women menstruating or nearing menstrual periods.
2. In case of immediate use, rupture of hymen may occur as it occurs when using tampons.
3. This is NOT a test for sexually transmitted infections such as HIV, Chlamydia, Herpes, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, etc.
Direction for Use
1. Observe universal precautions such as usage of gloves and other precautionary measures.
2. Unwrap the pouch and remove the test pad and place it on a clean and dry surface.
3. Collect the sample of vaginal secretion as explained earlier in specimen collection procedure.
4. Place the cotton swab tip on the test pad and gently rotate the tip on the test pad. Make sure not to vigorously rub the test pad by scratching it with swab tip.
5. Observe for change in colour on the test pad immediately or within 10-15 seconds and record the results.
6. Compare the colour of the test pad with the standard colour chart provided with the kit to determine the vaginal pH.
Other Info
INTERPRETATION OF RESULT
After placing the cotton swab tip on the test pad, observe for colour change in the test pad region. The test kit is designed to measure vaginal pH ranging from 4.0 to 7.0 with an incremental change of 0.5 units. Compare the colour of test pad with the colour on standard colour chart to know the numerical value of the pH corresponding to the colour on test pad.
Normal Result: The vaginal pH levels in the range of 4.0 – 5.0 is normal. The colour of the test pad is yellow.
Abnormal Result: The vaginal pH levels in the range of 5.5 and above is abnormal. The colour of the test pad is green to blue depending on the severity of alkalinisation of the vaginal pH.
Note: It is possible that the colour on test pad does not match exactly with the colour given on the colour chart. In such cases, mark the pH cut off corresponding to the colour from colour chart that is closest to the colour on test pad.
NEXT STEP AFTER POSITIVE RESULT
This test is a screening test only. Any medical decision should be warranted with further investigations of cytological, culture or molecular tests to arrive at any conclusion. Visit your gynecologist or family physician immediately if the vaginal pH is abnormal or elevated.
