The Vaginal Yeast Test is a rapid lateral flow-based assay for qualitative detection of Candida antigens in cervical secretion sampled by a swab. Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is thought to be one of the most common causes of vaginal symptoms. Approximately, 75% of women will be diagnosed with Candida at least once during their lifetime. 40-50% of them will suffer recurrent infections and 5% are estimated to develop chronic Candidiasis. Candidiasis is more commonly misdiagnosed than other vaginal infections (trichomonas and bacterial vaginosis). Symptoms of VVC which include: acute itching, vaginal soreness, irritation, rash on the outer lips of the vagina and genital burning that may increase during urination, are nonspecific. Clinicians should keep in mind that a broad variety of infectious and noninfectious diseases can cause a similar array of symptoms. To obtain an accurate diagnosis, a thorough evaluation is necessary. In women who complain of vaginal symptoms, the standard tests, which should be performed, consist of a vaginal pH measurement, saline and 10% potassium hydroxide microscopy. Microscopy is the mainstay in the diagnosis of VVC, yet studies show that, in academic settings, microscopy has a sensitivity of at best 50% and thus will miss a substantial percentage of women with symptomatic VVC. To increase the accuracy of diagnosis, yeast cultures have been advocated by some experts as an adjunctive diagnostic test, but these cultures are expensive and underutilized, and they have the further disadvantage that it may take up to a week to get a positive result. Inaccurate diagnosis of Candidiasis may delay treatment and cause more serious lower genital tract diseases. The Vaginal Yeast Test is a point-of-care test for qualitative detection of Candida cervical secretion swabs within 10-20 minutes. It is an important advance in improving the diagnosis of women with VVC.
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