What does a KOH wet prep test for?
The KOH kills bacteria and leaves only yeast behind, revealing if you have a yeast infection. If mixing the two creates a strong fishy odor, then you have bacterial vaginosis.
How do you wet prep for Koh?
Procedure
- Place the specimen on a clean glass slide. Add 1 drop of 20% KOH.
- Place the cover glass on top of the slide and gently press to get rid of any air bubbles.
- Place slide on the microscope stage and start with a low-power (10 ×) examination.
- Examine for fungal structures such as hyphae or yeast.
Is bacteria normal on wet prep?
There is no abnormal odor, and the whiff test is negative. Wet prep reveals normal epithelial cells. There may be a small increase in the number of WBCs. The bacteria are the normal lactobacilli.
How do you perform a wet mount of bacteria?
Wet mount. A sample of the vaginal discharge is placed on a glass slide and mixed with a salt solution. The slide is looked at under a microscope for bacteria, yeast cells, trichomoniasis (trichomonads), white blood cells that show an infection, or clue cells that show bacterial vaginosis. Whiff test.
What’s the best way to prepare Koh for testing?
Procedure of KOH Preparation Place a drop of KOH solution on a slide. Transfer the specimen (small pieces) to the drop of KOH, and cover with glass. Place the slide in a petri dish, or another container with a lid, together with a damp piece of filter paper or cotton wool to prevent the preparation from drying out.
How does a wet mount test for infection?
A vaginal sample may be tested by: Wet mount. A sample of the vaginal discharge is placed on a glass slide and mixed with a salt solution. The slide is looked at under a microscope for bacteria, yeast cells, trichomoniasis (trichomonads), white blood cells that show an infection, or clue cells that show bacterial vaginosis.
How can Koh be used to diagnose bacterial vaginosis?
The number of lactobacilli present on wet prep is usually correlated with pH levels. (More lactobacilli=lower pH). A drop of KOH (potassium hydroxide 10%) added to a saline wet prep slide aids in diagnosis in two ways. A) A strong fishy (amine) odor to the solution may indicate bacterial vaginosis.
How is Koh mount used in diagnostic laboratories?
In diagnostic laboratories, KOH mount is one of the main methods of investigating fungal infections. It is used as a primary screening tool, it detects fungal elements present but may not necessarily identify the species of the fungi.