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Mycoplasma genitalium (Mgen) Test
Mycoplasma genitalium (Mgen) Test
Test for the STD Mycoplasma genitalium, also known as Mgen. Read moreTest details
Sample type:
Urine or Vaginal swab (patient-collected)
Preparation:
Urine: You do not need to do anything special to prepare for the test sample collection.
Please be sure to drink plenty of fluids before your urine sample collection. Fasting is not required for this testing. Vaginal swab: During your scheduled appointment time, a Quest Patient Service Representative (PSR) will provide you with a vaginal collection kit that comes in a sealed, protective wrapper and includes a step-by-step collection instruction sheet. If you have questions prior to performing your self-collection, you may ask the PSR or call 1.833.700.2423. The concierge line is open Monday-Friday 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM ET. It is closed on weekends and holidays.
How
Urine or Vaginal swab (patient-collected)
About the Test
Check for the presence of Mycoplasma genitalium, also known as Mgen, which is a sexually transmitted disease. People who are sexually active can get Mgen and can pass the infection to someone, even when they have no signs or symptoms. Left untreated, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can cause medical complications. Testing is the only way to know for sure if you have a sexually transmitted infection.
How it works
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FAQs
It is not always possible to know if you have Mgen because many people do not have symptoms. Testing is the only way to know for sure if you have a sexually transmitted infection.
Symptoms common in women include:
- Vaginal discharge
- Itching, burning, redness, or soreness of the genitals
- Discomfort during urination
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Lower abdomen pain
Symptoms common in men include:
- Discharge from the penis
- Itching or irritation inside the penis
- Burning sensation during urination
Mgen can be treated with prescription medication from your healthcare provider, however some infections are harder to treat due to the increasing rate of drug resistant Mgen strains. This test does not provide information on which strain you are infected with if your results are positive. Remember that you can still pass it to another person even while you are being treated. You should not have sex again until your treatment has been completed.
Given some strains of this disease are resistant to certain antibiotics, it is important to share your results (especially if positive) with your doctor. Using this information, they can provide the best treatment options possible.
It is possible to pass this STI to your unborn child. The baby may even be born early. If you are pregnant, you may want to consider getting tested as soon as possible.
According to the CDC, by following step-by-step collection instructions, patients can collect their own samples correctly, and the results of the tests are as accurate as when they are collected by a doctor.1
The Quest Patient Service Representative (PSR) will provide you with a vaginal collection kit that comes in a sealed, protective wrapper and includes a step-by-step collection instruction sheet.
Read all instructions before starting to collect a sample. Failure to follow the instructions could affect the test results. If you have questions prior to performing your self-collection, you may ask the PSR or call 1.833.700.2423. The concierge line is open Monday-Friday 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM EST. It is closed on weekends and holidays.
If you accidentally drop the swab or collection tube (or contaminate them in any way), inform the PSR, who will dispose of them and provide new ones. If you are unable to self-collect, please contact your doctor. The collection cannot be done by the PSR.
Yes, you can perform a vaginal swab self-collection while menstruating. Studies have indicated that it does not affect the test. If you are experiencing vaginal bleeding that is not related to menstruation, then it is not recommended that you perform this test.
You may be able to use your FSA or HSA funds to purchase lab tests at questhealth.com. Please review your FSA/HSA plan or check with a tax professional to confirm specific requirements for individual eligibility.
Our references
References:
- CDC. Recommendations for the laboratory-based detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2014;63(2):1-19. Accessed July 17, 2024. Recommendations for the Laboratory-Based Detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae — 2014 (cdc.gov)
Sources:
• Mycoplasma genitalium – CDC Basic Fact Sheet. https://www.cdc.gov/std/mgen/stdfact-Mgen.htm
• Mycoplasma genitalium – CDC Detailed Fact Sheet. https://www.cdc.gov/std/mgen/stdfact-Mgen-detailed.htm
• Mycoplasma genitalium, rRNA, TMA. Quest Diagnostics. https://testdirectory.questdiagnostics.com/test/test-detail/91475/mycoplasma-genitalium-rrna-tma?q=mycoplasma&cc=PHP