Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) pH Rapid Test

PH Rapid Bacterial Vaginosis Test Device is the modern concept of protection for women.

This Bacterial Vaginosis test detects a change in the pH level of the vigina. A disturbance in the micro ecological balance in the vagina (e.g. dysbiosis) is often connected with an increase in the pH level. Vaginal pH levels that are higher than 4.5 can lead to many gynaecological complaints and complications. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is diagnosed in approx. 15-20% of all pregnant women.

Further Information about BV and BV Tests.

For more information about BV from the NHSclick here.

For more information about BV from our health information pages click here.

It increases the risk of these：

• Premature birth
• Chorioamnionitis (amnionitis)
• A premature rupturing of the fetal membrane
• Fever when giving birth
• Post-partum endometritis (an infection of the mucus membrane in the uterus after giving birth)
• A bacterial infection of the foetus

With the help of regular BV tests, pregnant women can decrease the risk of infection. The measurement of the vaginal pH level is a fixed component of the program for avoiding premature birth according to Prof. E. Saling.

Principle:

The PH Rapid BV Test Device is a reliable, hygienic, pain-free method of determining the vaginal pH level. As soon as the pH measurement zone on the device comes into contact with vaginal secretion, a colour change occurs that can be assigned to a value on the colour scale. This value is the test result.

LIMITATIONS OF THE TEST

• Use each applicator only once.
• Use only for intended purpose, not for consumption.
• The swab determines only the pH value and not the presence of any infection.
• An acidic pH value is not 100% protection against infections. If you notice symptoms despite a normal pH value, contact your doctor.
• Certain occurrences may alter the vaginal pH value temporarily and lead to false results.

You should therefore take into account the following time limits before performing the test / taking a measurement;

• at least 12 hours after sexual activity
• at least 12 hours after the use of vaginal medical products (vaginal suppositories, creams, gels, etc.)
• only 3-4 days after the end of a period if you are using the test when not pregnant
• at least 15 minutes after urination because remaining urine can lead to false test results
• If the test applicator is not used properly, this may lead to a tearing of the hymen in women who are not yet sexually active. This is similar to the use of a tampon.

How to Use:

TEST PROCEDURE:

Determining the vaginal pH level is simple and completely pain-free. Relax and follow the steps below exactly.

1. Wash your hands before starting the test. 2. Open the package, remove a test and open the foil. Only touch the applicator in the round handle area. 3. Hold the applicator in the handle area between your thumb and index finger, as shown in diagram. The thumb should always be kept on the side of the vaginal applicators opposite to the pH measurement zone. If you use the vaginal applicator in this way, each test will be performed correctly. 4. Avoid the pH measurement zone coming into contact with other liquids. 5. Sit with your knees spread or with one foot on the toilet seat or other firm surface. 6. Now use your free hand to gently spread the vaginal opening, carefully separating the outer labia. 7. Insert the vaginal applicator gently into the vagina, in the same way that you would use a tampon, see diagram 2. (approx. 1 inch into the vagina – but not further than the round handle area) Inserting the vaginal applicators is completely pain-free. 8. Now press the inserted tube against the back wall of the vagina with light pressure for approx. 10 seconds (pushing back towards the rectum), so that the pH measurement zone becomes well moistened. Sufficient moisture is very important for the test evaluation. 9. Now carefully remove the vaginal applicator from the vagina. Read the result immediately after removing the vaginal applicators, while the measurement zone is still damp. Compare the colour in the pH measurement zone with the colour scale and note the value on the colour scale that is most similar to the pH level you have measured. After evaluation, you may dispose of the used applicator with the regular household waste.

IMPORTANT: If the pH measurement does not display a uniform colour after the test has been performed, this is a warning that the test has not been performed properly. A possible cause is that the pH measurement zone was not sufficiently moistened with vaginal secretion. If this is the case, you can perform the measurement again with the same vaginal applicator. However, you can also use a new test.

View the product instructions here.