Direct microscopy in gynecological practice

Direct microscopy provides, in real time and without laboratory procedures, reliable and compre- hensive information about hormonal status, cervicovaginal infections, physiological cell changes and dysplastic cells. In our current practice direct microscopy or phase contrast microscopy is usually performed as an extension of the routine gynaecological check-up, in order to obtain more reliable information during patient examination. Ideally, direct microscopy should be used in every patient undergoing gynaecological examina- tion; this technically supported work-up may easily give very satisfactory results with a skilful application of such equipment. For these reasons, wet mount microscopy was confi rmed to be extremely useful for many health professionals, in scientifi c research and in daily offi ce practice, in order to obtain an accurate diagnosis and thus a specifi c treatment.