Gardnerella Vaginalis rRNA PCR Swab Test

Gardnerella Vaginalis rRNA PCR Swab Test

Article
Women's Health
Laboratory Procedures
+2
Contributed byKrish Tangella MD, MBAMay 09, 2019

What are the other Names for this Test? (Equivalent Terms)

  • G. Vaginalis rRNA Vaginal Swab Test

What is Gardnerella Vaginalis rRNA PCR Swab Test? (Background Information)

  • Gardnerella vaginalis, or G. vaginalis, is a bacterium most commonly associated with bacterial vaginosis or inflammation of the vaginal tract
  • The vagina normally contains a diverse population of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi. These coexist harmlessly with one another and are in fact beneficial to maintaining the health of the vaginal tract
  • However, certain factors may lead to a disruption in the balance of the microorganism population within the vaginal tract. These include certain antibiotics, immune deficiencies, and sexual activity
  • G. vaginalis is thought to be transmitted through sexual intercourse. Once introduced in the vagina, it is capable of overgrowing and causing the unpleasant symptoms of bacterial vaginosis (BV)
  • G. vaginalis also exists asymptomatically in some women. The reasons these women are not affected by G. vaginalis remain unknown
  • The Gardnerella Vaginalis rRNA PCR Swab Test is a vaginal culture test to detect the presence of G. vaginalis. It does this by identifying genetic material possessed by G. vaginalis, which is not present in humans

What are the Clinical Indications for performing the Gardnerella Vaginalis rRNA PCR Swab Test?

Following are the clinical indications for performing the Gardnerella Vaginalis rRNA PCR Swab Test:

  • Mild vaginal pain or irritation
  • Foul-smelling vaginal discharge

How is the Specimen Collected for Gardnerella Vaginalis rRNA PCR Swab Test?

Following is the specimen collection process for Gardnerella Vaginalis rRNA PCR Swab Test:

Sample required: Vaginal swab

Process: Swabbing the vaginal walls with a Q-tip-like device.

Preparation required: No special preparation is needed prior to the test.

What is the Significance of the Gardnerella Vaginalis rRNA PCR Swab  Test Result?

  • A positive Gardnerella Vaginalis rRNA PCR Swab Test may mean infection with G. vaginalis

The laboratory test results are NOT to be interpreted as results of a "stand-alone" test. The test results have to be interpreted after correlating with suitable clinical findings and additional supplemental tests/information. Your healthcare providers will explain the meaning of your tests results, based on the overall clinical scenario.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information:

  • Gardnerella vaginalis often works with other microorganisms to cause symptoms of bacterial vaginosis (BV)
  • The Gardnerella Vaginalis rRNA PCR Swab Test can also be performed on the culture plates from a vaginal swab, to confirm the causative organism

Certain medications that you may be currently taking may influence the outcome of the test. Hence, it is important to inform your healthcare provider of the complete list of medications (including any herbal supplements) you are currently taking. This will help the healthcare provider interpret your test results more accurately and avoid unnecessary chances of a misdiagnosis.

Please visit our Laboratory Procedures Center for more physician-approved health information:

http://www.dovemed.com/common-procedures/procedures-laboratory/

Was this article helpful

On the Article

Krish Tangella MD, MBA picture
Approved by

Krish Tangella MD, MBA

Pathology, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team

0 Comments

Please log in to post a comment.

Related Articles

Test Your Knowledge

Asked by users

Related Centers

Loading

Related Specialties

Loading card

Related Physicians

Related Procedures

Related Resources

Join DoveHubs

and connect with fellow professionals

Related Directories

Who we are

At DoveMed, our utmost priority is your well-being. We are an online medical resource dedicated to providing you with accurate and up-to-date information on a wide range of medical topics. But we're more than just an information hub - we genuinely care about your health journey. That's why we offer a variety of products tailored for both healthcare consumers and professionals, because we believe in empowering everyone involved in the care process.
Our mission is to create a user-friendly healthcare technology portal that helps you make better decisions about your overall health and well-being. We understand that navigating the complexities of healthcare can be overwhelming, so we strive to be a reliable and compassionate companion on your path to wellness.
As an impartial and trusted online resource, we connect healthcare seekers, physicians, and hospitals in a marketplace that promotes a higher quality, easy-to-use healthcare experience. You can trust that our content is unbiased and impartial, as it is trusted by physicians, researchers, and university professors around the globe. Importantly, we are not influenced or owned by any pharmaceutical, medical, or media companies. At DoveMed, we are a group of passionate individuals who deeply care about improving health and wellness for people everywhere. Your well-being is at the heart of everything we do.

© 2023 DoveMed. All rights reserved. It is not the intention of DoveMed to provide specific medical advice. DoveMed urges its users to consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and answers to their personal medical questions. Always call 911 (or your local emergency number) if you have a medical emergency!