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HelpTest ID: MTRNA Trichomonas vaginalis, Nucleic Acid Amplification, Varies
Useful For
Detecting Trichomonas vaginalis in prostatic massage (VBIII) fluid or male urethral swabs
Reporting Name
T.vaginalis, Misc, Amplified RNASpecimen Type
VariesNecessary Information
Specimen source is required.
Specimen Required
This test should only be performed in men.
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Specimen Type: Post-prostatic massage fluid (VBIII)
Supplies: Aptima Urine Transport Tube (T582)
Container/Tube: Aptima Urine Specimen Transport Tube
Specimen Volume: 15 to 20 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Patient should not have urinated for at least 1 hour prior to specimen collection.
2. Patient should void a small amount of urine prior to prostatic massage. Pre-massage urine can be discarded or submitted for other testing as applicable.
3. Patient then ceases voiding and a prostatic massage is performed by the urologist or other health care professional.
4. Collect post-massage fluid into a sterile, plastic, preservative-free container.
5. Transfer 2 mL of post-massage fluid specimen into the Aptima urine specimen transport tube using the disposable pipette provided within 24 hours of collection. The correct volume of fluid has been added when the fluid level is between the black fill lines on the Aptima urine transport tube.
Specimen Type: Urethral (male only)
Supplies: Aptima Unisex Swab Collection Kit (T583)
Container/Tube: Aptima Unisex Swab
Specimen Volume: Swab
Collection Instructions:
1. Urethral specimens must be collected using an Aptima Unisex Swab Collection kit.
2. Patient should not have urinated for at least 1 hour prior to collection.
3. With a rotating movement, insert swab (blue shaft) 2 to 4 cm into urethra.
4. Once inserted, rotate swab gently at least 1 full rotation using sufficient pressure to ensure swab comes into contact with all urethral surfaces. Allow swab to remain inserted for 2 to 3 seconds.
5. Place swab in the Aptima transport tube provided in collection kit. Snap off swab at score line so swab fits into closed tube.
6. Cap tube securely and label tube with patient's entire name and collection date and time.
Specimen Minimum Volume
See Specimen Required
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Varies | Refrigerated (preferred) | 30 days | APTIMA VIAL |
| Ambient | 30 days | APTIMA VIAL |
Clinical Information
Trichomonas vaginalis is a protozoan parasite that commonly infects the genital tract of men and women. It is considered to be the most common nonviral sexually transmitted infection (STI), with an estimated 2.6 million cases documented in 2020 in the United States. Although up to 70% of infected individuals are asymptomatic, infections may be associated with vaginitis, urethritis, and cervicitis in women and urethritis and prostatitis in men. Patients that are infected with T vaginalis have an increased risk of acquiring other STIs such as HIV, while infections in pregnant women are associated with premature labor, low birth-weight offspring, premature rupture of membranes, and post-hysterectomy/post-abortion infection.
Symptoms of T vaginalis overlap considerably with other STIs; therefore, laboratory diagnosis is required for definitive diagnosis. The most frequently used method for detection is microscopic examination of a wet-mount preparation of vaginal secretions. However, this method has only 35% to 80% sensitivity compared with culture. Culture also suffers from relatively low sensitivity (38%-82%) when compared to molecular methods. Culture is technically challenging and takes 5 to 7 days to complete. Molecular methods, such as the Aptima T vaginalis assay, offer high sensitivity and specificity for detection of trichomoniasis. The Aptima test utilizes target capture, transcription-mediated amplification, and hybridization protection assay technologies for detection of T vaginalis ribosomal RNA.
Reference Values
Negative
Interpretation
A positive result indicates the presence of nucleic acid from Trichomonas vaginalis and is strongly supportive of a diagnosis of trichomoniasis.
A negative result indicates the absence of nucleic acid from T vaginalis.
A negative result does not exclude the possibility of infection. If clinical indications strongly suggest gonococcal or chlamydial infection, additional specimens should be collected for testing.
A result of inconclusive indicates that a new specimen should be collected.
The predictive value of an assay depends on the prevalence of the disease in any specific population. In settings with a high prevalence of sexually transmitted infections, positive assay results have a high likelihood of being true-positive results. In settings with a low prevalence of sexually transmitted infections or in any setting in which a patient's clinical signs and symptoms or risk factors are inconsistent with infection, positive results should be carefully assessed, and the patient retested by other methods if appropriate.
Clinical Reference
1. Workowski KA, Bachmann LH, Chan PA, et al. Sexually transmitted infections treatment guidelines, 2021. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2021;70(4):1-187
2. Andrea SB, Chapin KC. Comparison of Aptima Trichomonas vaginalis transcription-mediated amplification assay and BD Affirm VPIII for detection of T. vaginalis in symptomatic women: Performance parameters and epidemiological implications. J Clin Microbiol. 2011;49(3):866-869. doi:10.1128/JCM.02367-10
3. Chernesky M, Jang D, Gilchrist J, et al. Ease and comfort of cervical and vaginal sampling for Chlamydia trachomatis and Trichomonas vaginalis with a new Aptima specimen collection and transportation kit. J Clin Microbiol. 2014;52(2):668-670. doi:10.1128/JCM.02923-13
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday
Report Available
1 to 4 daysTest Classification
This test has been modified from the manufacturer's instructions. Its performance characteristics were determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
87661
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| MTRNA | T.vaginalis, Misc, Amplified RNA | 46154-1 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| SRC6 | SOURCE: | 31208-2 |
| 35034 | T.vaginalis, Misc, amplified RNA | 46154-1 |
Method Name
Transcription-Mediated Amplification
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Microbiology Test Request (T244) with the specimen.
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