A new Trichomonas vaginalis assay is now available to the Mayo Clinic practice and Mayo Medical Laboratories clients. This test should be ordered in individuals suspected to be infected with Trichomonas vaginalis. Below is a short three-minute video overview from Bobbi Pritt, M.D.
Trichomonas vaginalis is a protozoan parasite that commonly infects the genital tract of men and women.
Although the majority of infected individuals are asymptomatic, infections can also be associated with vaginitis, urethritis, and cervicitis in women, and urethritis and prostatitis in men.
Trichomonas vaginalis infections during pregnancy are associated with premature labor, low-birth-weight offspring, premature rupture of membranes, and post-hysterectomy/post-abortion infection.
Molecular methods offer the highest sensitivity and specificity for detection of trichomoniasis.
How to Use These Tests These tests should be ordered in individuals suspected to be infected with Trichomonas vaginalis:
Female Patients: Order test TVRNA / Trichomonas vaginalis by Nucleic Acid Amplification using the following specimen types: endocervix swab; vaginal swab; urine; or endocervix ThinPrep (PreservCyt) specimen.
Male Patients: Order test MTRNA / Trichomonas vaginalis, Miscellaneous Sites, by Nucleic Acid Amplification using the following specimen types: urine; urine following prostatic massage; or urethra swab.
Symptoms of Trichomonas vaginalis overlap considerably with other sexually transmitted infections; therefore, laboratory diagnosis is required for definitive diagnosis.
The APTIMA Trichomonasvaginalis assays, offer the highest sensitivity and specificity for detection of trichomoniasis. They are significantly more sensitive than the traditional ‘wet prep’ microscopic exam.
A positive result is considered indicative of current or recent Trichomonas vaginalis infection (trichomoniasis).
A negative result does not preclude a possible infection because results are dependent on adequate specimen collection.
Results from the APTIMA Trichomonas vaginalis Assay should be interpreted in conjunction with other clinical data and symptoms.
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