"
Clue cells" were ascribed to Haemophilus, described as a non-motile, short gram-negative bacillus that agglutinates to the epithelial cells and forms the
clue cells.
Among the four Amsel criteria,
clue cells in Gram stain had the highest sensitivity of 88.2% and a positive whiff test had 100% specificity.
On the vaginal wet prep, we have only three reportable parameters: yeast cells,
clue cells, and trichomonas vaginalis--but not white blood cells (WBCs).
Microscopic examination of a saline-solution specimen of vaginal discharge may reveal motile trichomonads or "
clue cells' in BV.
The typical smear of vaginal discharge from BV patients shows
clue cells (bacteria covering epithelial cell margins) together with mixed flora consisting of large numbers of small rods and coccobacilli: gram-negative Prevotella and Porphyromonas spp.
Microscopically, these secretions are almost acellular, with no increase in white blood cells and no
clue cells, yeast forms, or lactobacilli.
"Pseudohyphae, spores, trichomonads and
clue cells are absent, and leukocytes are scarce or absent," says Hills.
This course will describe proper collection and handling of specimens for saline/ KOH wet preps, proper microscopic technique, and correct identification of trichomonas yeast, bacteria, red and white blood cells and
clue cells found on saline/KOH wet preps.
Research has shown that, compared with other pregnant women, women with BV who have Mobiluncus morphotypes on gram stain are more likely to be symptomatic, have higher numbers of
clue cells and positive "whiff" tests, and have vaginal immune and hydrolytic enzyme profiles, which are associated with a greater risk of preterm birth, Dr.
For example, research has shown that, compared with other pregnant women, women with BV who have Mobiluncus morphotypes on Gram stain are more likely to be symptomatic, have higher numbers of
clue cells and positive "whiff" tests, and have vaginal immune and hydrolytic enzyme profiles, all of which are associated with a greater risk of preterm birth, Dr.
In addition to checking the vaginal pH and checking for
clue cells, your health care professional may place a drop of 10 percent potassium hydroxide on a vaginal fluid specimen and check the odor.
A differential diagnosis can be made based on the subjective and objective findings of amine odor, increased milky discharge, normal pH, vaginal itching, and
clue cells. Vulvovaginal candidias was ruled out since the discharge was not white, cottage cheese-like and there were no pseudohyphae seen on the wet mount.
