Bacterial vaginosis (BV), often asymptomatic, is associated with increased gynecologic, obstetric, and neonatal risks. A pilot study by Youngkin and Lester examined the use of a nurse researcher-developed home self-test system comprised of three components (a) education, (b) self-test kit application, and (c) a scoring method. The participants were a volunteer sample of 33 nonpregnant, childbearing-age women. The women accurately self-tested for BV using the system, and sought definitive professional diagnosis and treatment based on their results.

WHAT THE STUDY MAY MEAN TO YOU AS A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER: The authors noted that the next phase of research would be with pregnant women at risk for preterm labor and delivery. These findings could determine use of the system in an effort to reduce maternal and fetal complications.

WHAT THE STUDY MAY MEAN TO YOU AS A PATIENT: The procedure proved useful in teaching patients to test themselves for bacterial vaginosis. Similar findings in a larger randomized-control trial could prove highly useful.

EQ Youngkin, PB Lester. Promoting self-care and secondary prevention in women's health: A study to test the accuracy of a home self-test system for bacterial vaginosis. Applied Nursing Research, 2010;23:2-10.