Yeast Cell Examination Using Darkfield Microscopes
Most women think that they have yeast infection every time they have vaginal discharge. However, that is not often the case. It is best that women consult their health professionals (ob gynecologists, midwives) before running to the drug store and buying the topical creams for yeast infection.
By observing the discharge through the darkfield microscope, experts can diagnose whether it is yeast infection or not. Of course they also have to look at the history and the results of the physical exam. In a nutshell, the woman must go through laboratory exams in order to confirm the impression of the yeast infection.
Vaginal Discharge
A wet mount is suspended in the liquid medium. When the experiment is conducted, two liquids are used – the potassium hydroxide and the normal saline. The potassium hydroxide dissolves the cell membranes and the other biologic materials. However, it cannot do the same to the cellulose that is found in cell walls. These are the fungi. As for the normal saline, it preserves the vital activities of the sperm and the protozoa. Saline is the best solution in order for the observer to better visualize the trichomonas and the studding of the vaginal epithelial cells.
Get a Specimen
By using a cotton-tipped applicator or a spatula, get a sample of the vaginal discharge. There is an abundance of the sample on the curve of the speculum. Some prefer to use non-wooden collectors in order to prevent contamination from taking place.
The discharge must be processes as soon as possible. Do your best to not let it dry up before the process or else whatever information is obtained from the experiment will lose its value.
Viewing the Specimen under the Microscope
When the sample is being viewed, it should be spread out as if it were a single cell. If the experiment begins with a lot of discharge, it will be hard for the observer to see the structure he needs to evaluate.
The experiment on yeast infection observation by using darkfield microscopes often involve two wet mounts. The first one with the potassium hydroxide, the other with the normal saline solution. Since these are two mounts, then the discharge must be placed on two slides.
Some prefer to use one slide. They put discharge at both ends of the slide in order to separate it. However, for those who want to prevent any kind of contamination taking place, the best move is to have two slides.
Add Normal Saline
Add one drop of NaCl to the discharge. Mix it well on the slide. This is the slide that can be used to identify the bacterial vaginosis and the Trichomonas.
The drop must fall to the side freely. As much as possible, do not touch the dropper nor the slide. You shouldn’t also touch the drop before it is released. If this happens, then the results of the whole experiment might be contaminated.
Put coverslips
In order to protect the specimen, put cover slips on the slides. You can also remove the excess discharge by using tissue paper.
For the potassium hydroxide to be very efficient when it comes to dissolving the cell membranes, you must be patient. It takes one minute, sometimes two, for it to do so. If the observer is in a hurry, then the process can be quickened by heating up the KOH slide with a lighter or a match.
The slide containing the saline solution must not be warmed because it prevents the flagella from moving. It also affects the coagulation of the protein structure that is being identified.
Microscopic Evaluation
Examine the slides that are prepared under the dark field microscope. The lowest power is usually the best magnification. Others begin the experiment at the low power and then slowly move up. They usually start with 40x up to 100x.
Determine the Infection
The yeast infection is identified best with the potassium hydroxide slide.
The cell membranes are dissolved and the branching and budding cells are already seen. Sometimes it appears to be a tangled web. Sometimes, it has branches.
Yeast normally inhabits the vagina but they are of small numbers. If there is yeast in the sample it is already considered significant.
On the other hand, trichonmonas are determined in the Normal Saline slide. These are pretty much the same size as that of the white blood cells. They have violent motions in striking and are also unmistakable.
Bacterial Vaginosis
This is also known as Gardnerella hemophilus. It is characterized by the clue cells that are visible with low or medium power.
When the vagina walls are studded with yeast, it looks like a pancake that is filled with poppy seeds through the microscope perception.
