Trichomonas vaginalis, Nucleic Acid Amplification, Varies
Use
The Trichomonas vaginalis, Nucleic Acid Amplification test is useful for detecting Trichomonas vaginalis in prostatic massage (VBIII) fluid or male urethral swabs. Trichomonas vaginalis is a protozoan parasite that commonly infects the genital tract. It is considered to be the most common nonviral sexually transmitted infection, with an estimated 2.6 million cases documented in 2020 in the United States. Patients infected with this organism have an increased risk of acquiring other STIs, such as HIV, while infections in pregnant women can lead to adverse outcomes such as premature labor. This test is not intended for use in medico-legal applications, but provides a highly sensitive and specific molecular method to diagnose trichomoniasis, overcoming the limitations of traditional culture methods.
Special Instructions
The test utilizes target capture and transcription-mediated amplification technology. It is critical that specimens are collected properly to ensure reliable results. The test must be ordered using the Aptima collection kits, and the specimen source is required. If ordering manually, a Microbiology Test Request Form must be completed.
Limitations
While the test is highly sensitive and specific, it is not FDA-approved for all specimen types it tests, such as prosthetic massage (VBIII) fluid or male urethral samples. The performance characteristics were determined by Mayo Clinic in accordance with CLIA regulations. Negative results do not exclude the possibility of infection, especially if the specimen collection was inadequate or if non-Trichomonas pathogens are present. Persisting nucleic acid post-infection treatment can impact result interpretation.
New York Approved
Methodology
PCR-based (Transcription-mediated Amplification)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 46154-1
- 31208-2
- 46154-1
Result Turnaround Time
1-4 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Other
Volume
15 to 20 mL
Minimum Volume
Not provided
Container
Aptima Urine Specimen Transport Tube
Collection Instructions
Patient should not have urinated for at least 1 hour prior to specimen collection. Patient should void a small amount of urine prior to prostatic massage which can be discarded or submitted for other testing. Post-massage fluid should be collected into a sterile container and 2 mL transferred into the Aptima tube within 24 hours.
Causes for Rejection
Multiple sources on a single tube, transport tubes containing a cleaning swab or more than one swab.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 30 days |
| Refrigerated | 30 days |