A general smear on the flora (bacterioscopy) is a laboratory way to study the vaginal microflora. This analysis is carried out relatively quickly, as a rule, after taking the analysis, the woman does not feel discomfort.
A smear on the flora during pregnancy is an obligatory analysis. This study is very important in assessing the health status of a woman in the antenatal period.
To determine the presence of pathogenic (pathogenic) bacteria in the body, a smear on the flora is primarily used. Decryption of the analysis also reveals the presence or absence of inflammatory processes. However, it should be noted that in the presence of infection, it is impossible to determine the degree of sensitivity of its pathogen using bacterioscopy. In such cases, bacterial culture is prescribed after a smear on the flora has been performed. Decryption in this case will give a more complete diagnostic picture.
It should be noted that, being one of the most affordable tests, bacterioscopy has become an integral part of the gynecological examination for diagnostic or preventive purposes. In determining the disorders of the functions of the female reproductive system of a primary nature, a smear on the flora is indispensable.
The interpretation of the analysis may be incorrect if certain requirements were not met before the sampling of the material and directly during it.
Before taking the test for a few days, the woman is advised to stop taking the medication, in particular, she will have to abandon the use of vaginal suppositories (suppositories). In addition, douching is not recommended immediately before taking the analysis, sexual contact should be abandoned per day.
A smear on the flora. Decryption
The mucosa lining the vagina and cervix has a layer called squamous epithelium. Normally (when the woman is healthy), cells of this layer are present in the smear. In their absence, the doctor may suspect a hormonal malfunction in the body. In other words, the patient's level of male hormones is increased, and the level of female (estrogen) is reduced. In addition, the absence of squamous cells in the smear may indicate atrophy of this layer of the mucosa.
As you know, white blood cells perform a protective function in the body. In a healthy woman (normal), their number in the smear should not be more than fifteen units in the field of vision. The increased content of leukocytes suggests that an inflammatory process is present in the body. As a rule, it is colpitis or vaginitis. It should be noted that the higher the level of leukocytes, the more acute the pathology.
Staphylococcus aureus may be contained in a small amount. This indicator refers to the norm. However, with its increased concentration in combination with a high level of white blood cells, the doctor may suspect severe inflammation in the mucous membrane of the vagina or uterus.
The only acceptable microorganisms in the smear are Dederlein sticks. These beneficial bacteria make up the healthy vaginal microflora.
If cocci is detected in the smear, then, as a rule, this indicates the development of a sexually transmitted disease.
Gardnerella sticks are causative agents of gardnellosis. The detection of these bacteria in a smear suggests that this disease is developing, or a woman suffers from pronounced dysbiosis.
Atypical cells (squamous cells glued with sticks) may also be present in the smear. They also indicate dysbiosis.
The presence in the smear of Candida fungus indicates the development of progressive candidiasis (thrush). With an asymptomatic course of pathology, fungal spores will be found in the analysis.