A Comparison of Newer and Traditional Approaches to Diagnosing Vaginal Infections

Molecular diagnostic testing (eg, polymerase chain reaction [PCR]-based vaginitis testing) is widely used in clinical practice, although vaginitis experts have reservations about its use for vaginitis diagnosis. As with any new technology, cost to the health system is a large concern. Although clinical evaluation of signs and symptoms along with wet mount microscopy is traditionally used for vaginitis diagnosis, it is less accurate compared with molecular diagnostic testing. Here we review the benefits of adopting newer molecular diagnostics into routine gynecologic practice with some guidance from vaginitis experts that favor both traditional and more modern approaches. We argue that instead of trying to resist the oncoming tide of molecular diagnostics, we can embrace them and put them to appropriate use to effect rapid, accurate, and more flexible diagnosis of vaginitis conditions for our patients.