Point-Counterpoint on Vaginitis Laboratory Testing: Conventional vs Molecular Testing

Course overview

Vaginitis is one of the leading gynecologic diagnoses in women of childbearing age, yet the approach to diagnosis of this disease has been a moving target in recent years. While conventional laboratory methods are laborious and subjective, commercial molecular tests lack specificity and can lead to overdiagnosis. This presentation will highlight the current state of diagnostic testing for vaginitis in the context of our current understanding of biological dynamics of the vaginal microbiome. Learning Objectives Discuss causes and microbiology of vaginitis and the role of the vaginal microbiome in disease. Describe the available conventional and molecular diagnostic tests for vaginitis. Assess considerations and limitations of diagnostic methods to aid in laboratory test selection for vaginitis.