What does iodine test staining mean?

In general, the iodine test staining refers to a diagnostic method used in gynecological examinations where doctors apply an iodine solution to the surface of the cervix or vaginal mucosa and observe the tissue's staining reaction to identify potential lesions. The specific analysis is as follows:

The iodine test staining is a common finding in gynecological exams, characterized by the cervix or vaginal mucosa turning brown or dark brown after application of iodine solution. This occurs because normal squamous epithelium contains abundant glycogen, which reacts chemically with iodine to produce visible staining. This result typically indicates that the epithelial tissue in the examined area is normal without significant abnormalities. However, if local inflammation, injury, or epithelial metaplasia is present, glycogen content may be reduced or absent, leading to areas with no staining or pale staining, which require further evaluation.

After the examination, maintain good hygiene of the external genitalia, and avoid sexual intercourse and tub baths on the same day to prevent bacterial infection. If tissue sampling was performed during the exam, slight vaginal bleeding may occur, but it usually resolves spontaneously within 1–2 days and should not cause excessive concern. Follow your doctor’s instructions to collect the complete test report on time; do not assess your health status based solely on this single test result. If the report indicates abnormalities or if symptoms such as genital itching or abnormal discharge develop, promptly return for follow-up consultation and cooperate with any necessary additional tests or treatments. In daily life, maintain regular作息 (sleep patterns), strengthen your immune system, and reduce the risk of developing gynecological conditions.