Updated June 09, 2015.

Diagnosis of Bacterial Vaginosis

A healthcare worker can examine a sample of vaginal fluid under a microscope, either stained or in special lighting, to detect the presence of the organisms associated with BV. They can make a diagnosis based on the absence of lactobacilli, the presence of numerous "clue cells" (cells from the vaginal lining that are coated with BV organisms), a fishy odor, and decreased acidity or change in pH of vaginal fluid.
Bacterial Vaginosis - Symptoms - Diagnosis - Treatment - Complications

Vaginal Infections and Vaginitis Index

Reprinted from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH)