Trichomonas Vaginalis | Molecular Pathology Laboratory Network, Inc.

Trichomonas Vaginalis

MPLN is one of the first laboratories to implement Trichomonas Vaginalis (TV) by Gen-Probe TMA. 100% sensitivity, >99% specificity and FDA cleared to detect TV in asymptomatic women, and/or to aid in the diagnosis of trichomoniasis in women symptomatic for vaginitis, cervicitis or urethritis. The Gen-Probe TMA APTIMA® assay identifies a third more patients than current methodology. With up to 80% of patients being asymptomatic a sensitive assay is crucial to assessing diagnosis and treatment.

TV is available on ThinPrep® or SurePath™ liquid cytology media, vaginal and endocervical swabs or female urine.

Prevalence is Underestimated

Pregnant women with STI, including trichomonas infection may result in premature or low birth weight. Symptoms and final diagnosis do not always correlate and treatment may not resolve symptoms.Vaginitis symptoms or suggestive history of STI and the Gen-Probe TMA APTIMA assay for Trichomoniasis detected a prevalence of 5.1% in a current study of 766 patients versus currently available methodologies that indicate a lower rate of 3.2%.^1,2

Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) is primarily asymptomatic and associated with concurrent STIs in the general population. Screening for Trichomonas is limited today in part due to the shortfalls of current testing techniques. Most testing currently is done via culture methods, which are slower and less sensitive than molecular tests, or "wet mount," which requires the microscopic examination of a sample shortly after it is collected.