pH is a measure of the acid-base balance of whatever substance is being tested.

Vaginal secretions are normally slightly acid (pH <5.0).

In testing for the presence of amniotic fluid (during pregnancy, to rule in/out ruptured membranes), the more basic amniotic fluid will turn nitrazine paper a dark blue, indicating a pH of >6.0, and confirming ruptured membranes.

In testing for the presence of bacterial vaginosis, vaginal infections with anaerobic bacteria are often associated with a pH >5.0.

Normal Values

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Operational Medicine 2001

Health Care in Military Settings

Bureau of Medicine and Surgery
Department of the Navy
2300 E Street NW
Washington, D.C
20372-5300

Operational Medicine
Health Care in Military Settings
CAPT Michael John Hughey, MC, USNR
NAVMED P-5139
January 1, 2001

United States Special Operations Command
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MacDill AFB, Florida
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*This web version is provided by The Brookside Associates Medical Education Division. It contains original contents from the official US Navy NAVMED P-5139, but has been reformatted for web access and includes advertising and links that were not present in the original version. This web version has not been approved by the Department of the Navy or the Department of Defense. The presence of any advertising on these pages does not constitute an endorsement of that product or service by either the US Department of Defense or the Brookside Associates. The Brookside Associates is a private organization, not affiliated with the United States Department of Defense.

Operational Medicine 2001 pH

Health Care in Military Settings

Operational Medicine 2001
pH