Amsel's diagnostic criteria for bacterial vaginosis

Calculator Name: Amsel's Diagnostic Criteria for Bacterial Vaginosis Amsel's Diagnostic Criteria for Bacterial Vaginosis is a clinical tool used to diagnose bacterial vaginosis (BV), a common vaginal infection in women of reproductive age. This calculator applies to women presenting with symptoms of vaginal discharge, discomfort, or odor. The clinical utility of Amsel's criteria is to aid in the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis, which can help guide appropriate treatment and prevent potential complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and increased susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections. The criteria include the presence of at least three of the following: thin, white, yellow, homogeneous discharge; clue cells on microscopy; pH of vaginal fluid >4.5; and a fishy odor of vaginal discharge before or after addition of 10% KOH (whiff test). There are no specific exclusion criteria for the use of Amsel's criteria. However, it should be noted that this diagnostic tool may not be as accurate in postmenopausal women, as the vaginal environment naturally changes with age and may affect the results. Additionally, it should not be used in isolation but in conjunction with other clinical findings and tests.

Reference

R Amsel, P A Totten, C A Spiegel et al. Nonspecific vaginitis. Diagnostic criteria and microbial and epidemiologic associations. Am J Med. 1983 Jan;74(1):14-22.