Bacterial Vaginosis Test

This bacterial vaginosis test checks for the most common cause of vaginitis (vaginal inflammation) and abnormal vaginal discharge. Included with your purchase, if your test results are abnormal, an independent physician may be able to provide you with treatment options. Read more

Test details

Sample type:

Vaginal swab (patient-collected)

Preparation:

During your scheduled appointment time, a Quest Patient Service Representative (PSR) will provide you with a vaginal collection kit that comes in a sealed, protective wrapper and includes a step-by-step collection instruction sheet. If you have questions prior to performing your self-collection, you may ask the PSR or call 1-833-700-2423. The concierge line is open Monday-Friday 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM ET. It is closed on weekends and holidays.

Test type: In Person

Find Patient Service Centers

$179.00

+ $6.00 Physician Service Fee

Quantity

About the Test

This test for bacterial vaginosis is intended to aid in the diagnosis of BV using patient-collected vaginal swab specimens from females with a clinical presentation consistent with vaginitis and/or vaginosis.

With Quest, you can get a BV test by buying this test online and get testing at a nearby location – no doctor’s visit required.

This test is only for females who are showing signs of vaginitis and/or have abnormal vaginal discharge (see Signs & Symptoms section below). This test is not intended to replace clinical examination.

This test is NOT right for you if you are not showing any symptoms.

Bacterial vaginosis is caused by an overgrowth of normal bacteria in the vagina. It is the most common vaginal condition in women ages 15-44. Although BV is not a conventional STI, it is associated with sexual activity, and can be passed to same-sex partners.

BV can be treated with antibiotics. Untreated, it sometimes goes away on its own; however, treatment can help avoid chronic symptoms or other associated health risks like having an increased chance of getting or transmitting other sexually transmitted infections (STIs, also called STDs).

Signs and symptoms of vaginitis include:

Change in volume, color, or odor of vaginal discharge
Vaginal itching
Vaginal burning
Vulvar irritation, itching, or redness

This test may not be best for you if any of the following apply to you as these could indicate other concerns that should be discussed with your healthcare provider:

Pain with vaginal intercourse
Pain in the pelvis, abdomen, or lower back
Vaginal spotting (blood that is not related to a period)
Burning with urination, urinary frequency, urinary urgency, or bloody urine
Signs of infection, including fevers (temperatures exceeding 100.4°F), chills, nausea, vomiting
Retained body in the vagina (i.e., tampon)
History of gynecologic surgery or Crohn’s disease
Vaginal warts, bumps, ulcers, or other vaginal sores

These symptoms can be associated with other conditions. Regardless of your results, please discuss your symptoms with your healthcare provider.

This test is for females only. You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a test on questhealth.com. Purchases not permitted in: AK, AZ, HI.

After you provide your specimen, it generally takes a few business days to process and release your test results. However, processing times may vary. Your test results will be available in a clear and easy-to-read report. If your results differ from expected ranges, you may receive an alert call from an independent healthcare coordinator. Independent physicians are available to discuss questions or concerns you may have regarding your results. This physician may be able to prescribe medication, if appropriate.

How it works

questhealth.com offers 100+ consumer-initiated Quest Diagnostics lab tests to empower you to have more control over your health journey. Choose from a variety of test types that best suit your needs.

Buy a lab test & schedule an appointment

No doctor visit required for purchase. Book a visit to one of 2000+ Quest locations.

Schedule an appointment

Visit Quest for sample collection

Complete your test sample collection during your scheduled appointment.

Get fast results online

Access results online as soon as they’re available.

View results

Get physician support

Discuss your results with an independent physician at no extra cost.

FAQs

Is vaginal self-collection as safe and accurate as when my doctor does it?

According to the CDC, by following step-by-step collection instructions, patients can collect their own samples correctly, and the results of the tests are as accurate as when they are collected by a doctor.¹

How do I collect the sample?

The Quest Patient Service Representative (PSR) will provide you with a vaginal collection kit that comes in a sealed, protective wrapper and includes a step-by-step collection instruction sheet.

Read all instructions before starting to collect a sample. Failure to follow the instructions could affect the test results. If you do not feel comfortable with vaginal self-collection, please contact your doctor. The collection cannot be done by the PSR.

What should I do if I have questions regarding the instructions?

If you have questions prior to performing your self-collection, you may ask the Patient Service Representative (PSR) or call 1-833-700-2423. The concierge line is open Monday-Friday 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM EST. It is closed on weekends and holidays. If you are unable to self-collect, please contact your doctor. The collection cannot be done by the PSR.

Can the Quest Patient Service Representative (PSR) perform the vaginal sample collection?

No, the collection cannot be done by the PSR. It must be done by the patient.

Can I perform a vaginal swab self-collection if I am menstruating?

Yes, you can perform a vaginal swab self-collection while menstruating. Studies have indicated that it does not affect the test. If you are experiencing vaginal bleeding that is not related to menstruation, then it is not recommended that you perform this test.

What if I accidentally drop the swab or collection tube (or contaminate them in any way)?

Inform the PSR, who will dispose of the contaminated swab and/or collection tube and provide a new one.

Can I use my FSA or HSA funds to purchase tests on questhealth.com?

You may be able to use your FSA or HSA funds to purchase lab tests at questhealth.com. Please review your FSA/HSA plan or check with a tax professional to confirm specific requirements for individual eligibility.

Our references

References

CDC. Recommendations for the laboratory-based detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2014;63(2):1-19. Accessed July 17, 2024. Recommendations for the Laboratory-Based Detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae — 2014 (cdc.gov)

Sources

Tests purchased on questhealth.com are only for individuals who intend to pay directly for testing and do not want to submit a claim for reimbursement under their health insurance.

Bacterial Vaginosis Test