Trichomoniasis Test
Trichomoniasis , often called trich, is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Trichomoniasis , often called trich, is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It's caused by infection with a parasite . The parasite that causes this STI is a tiny single-celled life form. A trichomoniasis infection mostly involves the genital area. Trichomoniasis testing usually looks for the parasite in a sample of body fluid that's swabbed from the infected area. In women, the infection is usually in the vagina. In men, the infection is usually in the urethra, a tube in the penis that carries urine (pee) out of the body. You can get trichomoniasis by having sex without a condom with a partner who has the infection. Women can get the infection from men or women who are infected. Men usually get it only from women who are infected. Trichomoniasis is more common in women. Most people who have trichomoniasis infections don't have any symptoms. That means you can have trichomoniasis and pass it to a sex partner without knowing it. The infections are rarely serious, and they can be cured with antibiotics . But if trichomoniasis isn't treated, it can: Increase your risk of getting or spreading other STIs, including HIV Cause infections in the prostate gland (a gland in the male reproduction system) Increase the chance of problems in pregnancy , including: Giving birth too early ( premature birth ) Having a baby with a low birth weight (less than five and a half pounds) If you think you could have an infection, it's important to get tested so you can get treatment if you need it. Other names: T. vaginalis, trichomonas vaginalis testing, wet prep
Why is this test ordered? You may need to get tested for trichomoniasis: If you have symptoms that could be an STI. Usually, trichomoniasis doesn't cause symptoms, But when they happen, they usually show up within 5 to 28 days after getting the infection. Some people may develop symptoms much later. The symptoms can come and go. They may range from mild to severe and can include: In women: Itching, burning, redness or soreness around the genitals Discomfort when urinating (peeing) or having sex A clear, white, yellowish, or greenish vaginal discharge with a fishy smell In men: Itching or irritation inside the penis Burning after urinating or ejaculating (releasing semen) Abnormal discharge from the penis If you're a woman with a high risk for getting an STI. Even if you don't have symptoms, your health care provider may recommend testing if you have: Sex without using a condom Multiple sex partners Had trichomoniasis in the past or other STIs If you've completed treatment for trichomoniasis. You may need to be checked to see if you've been infected again. Talk with your provider about your need for testing.
Clinical Interpretation
In most cases, your first test for trichomoniasis will check a sample of body fluid under a microscope to look for parasites. This test is called "wet prep microscopy." It's often done first because it's quick and inexpensive. The results of a wet prep microscopy test will be either negative or positive: A negative result means that no parasites were seen in your sample. But wet prep microscopy results aren't always accurate. So, if your provider thinks you have trichomoniasis, more accurate tests may be done on your sample. They include: Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs). These tests look for genetic material from the parasites that cause trichomoniasis. Rapid antigen tests. These tests are only done on samples of vaginal fluid. They look for certain proteins, called antigens, from the parasite. Rapid antigen tests can be done at your provider's office. The results are usually ready in under 15 minutes. Culture tests. For these tests, your sample is sent to a lab, where the cells will grow for up to a week. Then the sample will be checked under a microscope. If your sample had parasites, there will now be more of them, so they'll be easier to find. A positive result means that parasites were found in your sample. You have a trichomoniasis infection. Your provider will prescribe medicine to cure the infection. Be sure to: Finish all your medicine according to your provider's instructions. Tell your recent sexual partners about your infection so they can get tested, too. Let your provider know if you still have symptoms after treatment. Get tested for other STIs. To prevent any future trichomoniasis infections, take appropriate precautions whenever having sex. These include: Having sex with only one partner who has tested negative for STIs and has sex only with you. Using condoms correctly every time you have sex. Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results .
Clinical Protocol & Patient Advice
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You don't need any special preparations for a trichomoniasis test.
Usage Guidance
- Reference ranges vary by laboratory. Always discuss your specific results with a qualified healthcare professional.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. View the original.