Clue cell on wet mount showing the
vaginal epithelial cell covered with bacteria |
The presence of Gardnerella on an otherwise normal Pap smear in a
patient without symptoms is of no consequence.
If the Pap shows
inflammation sufficient to
obscure the reading and the cytologist asks for an earlier-than-normal repeat Pap, many
physicians will treat the patient with Flagyl before repeating the smear. Others will
simply repeat the smear at a somewhat earlier-than-normal time.
Watch a video showing Clue cells
|