A wet mount is a common diagnostic procedure used by healthcare providers to examine vaginal discharge or other bodily fluids for microscopic elements. White blood cells (WBCs), also known as leukocytes, are an integral part of the body’s immune system, acting as its defense against foreign invaders and infections. Their presence on a wet mount can indicate that the body is actively responding to an irritation or infection.
Understanding the Wet Mount Test
The wet mount test involves collecting a small sample of vaginal discharge, using a cotton swab. This sample is then placed on a glass slide and mixed with a saline solution. The prepared slide is examined under a microscope, allowing healthcare providers to observe various components. Healthcare professionals look for the presence of specific cells, bacteria, fungi, or parasites that can help diagnose conditions causing vaginal symptoms like itching, burning, unusual discharge, or odor. White blood cells are produced in the bone marrow and circulate throughout the body, acting as immune cells. When the body encounters pathogens or experiences inflammation, these white blood cells rush to the affected area to fight off the threat and initiate healing.
Common Infectious Causes
The presence of white blood cells on a wet mount often signals an inflammatory response, frequently due to infection. Several common infectious conditions can trigger this immune reaction.
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a condition resulting from an imbalance of the naturally occurring bacteria in the vagina. While BV is characterized by an altered vaginal flora, it often does not directly cause an increase in white blood cells on a wet mount, although clue cells are a hallmark finding. If white blood cells are present alongside BV, it may suggest a co-existing condition.
Yeast infections, or candidiasis, caused by an overgrowth of fungi like Candida albicans, can also lead to inflammation and the presence of white blood cells. Symptoms often include a thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge and itching.
Trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, is a frequent cause of elevated white blood cell counts on a wet mount. This infection typically induces a strong inflammatory response, often presenting with a frothy, yellow-green discharge and an unpleasant odor. White blood cells, specifically polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs), are usually present in significant numbers, correlating with the infection’s severity. Other sexually transmitted infections, such as Chlamydia and Gonorrhea, can cause inflammation of the cervix, known as cervicitis. While a wet mount is not the primary diagnostic tool for these specific STIs, the inflammation they cause can result in increased white blood cells in vaginal samples.
Non-Infectious Factors
White blood cells on a wet mount are not always indicative of an active infection; various non-infectious factors can also lead to their presence. Local irritation or inflammation from chemical sources can cause an influx of these immune cells. Products such as certain soaps, douches, feminine hygiene sprays, or spermicides may irritate vaginal tissues, leading to a localized inflammatory response.
Atrophic vaginitis, a condition often seen in postmenopausal individuals, involves the thinning and drying of vaginal tissues due to decreased estrogen levels. This thinning can make the tissues more susceptible to irritation and inflammation, resulting in an increased number of white blood cells. The change in vaginal environment can also contribute to this inflammatory state.
Foreign bodies, such as a forgotten tampon or a vaginal pessary, can also cause localized irritation and a subsequent inflammatory response. Even recent sexual activity can sometimes lead to a temporary, minor increase in white blood cells due to friction or mild trauma to the vaginal lining.
Importance of Medical Evaluation
Observing white blood cells on a wet mount test always warrants a professional medical evaluation. Self-diagnosis is not sufficient for accurate treatment. A healthcare provider can properly interpret the test results in conjunction with a full medical history and physical examination. They can also perform additional diagnostic tests if necessary, to pinpoint the exact cause. Consulting a healthcare provider ensures an accurate diagnosis and the most appropriate, effective treatment plan for any underlying condition.