(775) Clinically Actionable Vaginal Diagnostics: An ISSVD-Aligned Multimethod Panel

Introduction Vulvovaginal symptoms are common and burdensome; up to 75% of women report at least one episode of vaginitis across the life course. Yet care often defaults to empirical treatment or single-pathogen tests. Microbiome/NGS research is advancing and important for future risk stratification, but day-to-day practice benefits from objective methods that provide results clinicians can use immediately and that patients can access easily. Objective To describe a self- or clinician-collected, validated multimethod vaginal panel as a pragmatic, ISSVD-aligned diagnostic resource for evaluating vulvovaginal symptoms in sexual-medicine pathways, prioritising clinically actionable findings, equitable access, and antimicrobial stewardship. Methods We outline a routinised laboratory workflow using self- or clinician-collected sampling. The panel includes pH assessment, fresh wet-mount microscopy, aerobic culture, and targeted RT-PCR/NAATs for key infectious agents and recommended STIs; testing for genital ulcerative disease is added when clinically indicated. Reports classify vaginal ecology as lactobacillus-dominant or non-dominant based on clinical proxies (pH, clue cells, flora morphology) and record inflammatory features on wet mount. Culture supports species identification and, where appropriate, susceptibility testing. Results are issued in a structured format to support clinician decisions (e.g., rule-in/rule-out infection, referral where needed) and to reduce empirical therapy. The workflow relies on accessible, validated methods and avoids investigational NGS in diagnostic use. Results Early experience, with self-collection used to lower barriers, suggests high acceptability, particularly among women with recurrent symptoms or a history of trauma. The panel serves both diagnosis and triage: separating infectious from non-infectious presentations helps curb empiricism and directs patients to appropriate multidisciplinary input. Structured reports support management and, where relevant, prompt consideration of broader contributors to dysbiosis - lifestyle, environmental exposures, and hormonal context - beyond candidiasis alone. Anticipated benefits of a standardised pathway include (i) decisions at the point of care using routine, validated methods; (ii) less empiricism and more targeted therapy; (iii) greater acceptability and coverage through self-sampling; and (iv) clearer navigation to gynaecology, primary care, pelvic-floor physiotherapy, and sexual/psychological services. The panel addresses current diagnostic needs and remains compatible with future stratification. Call for action: collaborators are invited to contribute cases and samples to a prospective, multicentre evaluation with adequate power. Conclusions An ISSVD-aligned, multimethod panel can reduce diagnostic variability, improve access (including self-sampling), and support antimicrobial stewardship by reducing empirical therapy, while complementing microbiome/NGS research. Pairing accuracy with accessibility, GynScreen enables tailored interventions and more rational use of resources, helping clinicians look beyond isolated symptoms to a fuller picture of women’s health. Disclosure No