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Trichomoniasis Test
Trichomoniasis Test
Test for the most common curable STD, trichomoniasis, so it can be treated. 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 trichomoniasis, the most common curable sexually transmitted disease. People with trichomoniasis may not have signs or symptoms. If you’re sexually active, it’s important to screen for STDs. 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
questhealth.com offers 100+ consumer-initiated Quest Diagnostics lab tests to empower you to have more control over your health journey. Choose from a variety of test types that best suit your needs.
FAQs
It is not always possible to know if you have trichomoniasis 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:
- Itching, burning, redness, or soreness of the genitals
- Discomfort during urination
- A clear, white, yellowish, or greenish vaginal discharge (ie thin discharge or increased volume) with a fishy smell
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Lower abdomen pain
Symptoms common in men include:
- Itching or irritation inside the penis
- Burning sensation during urination
- Discharge from the penis
Trichomoniasis can be treated with prescription medication. 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.
It is possible to pass trichomoniasis to your unborn child. The baby could have a low birth weight and may even be born early. If you are pregnant, it is important to get tested as soon as possible.
Anyone who is sexually active should get tested at least once a year.1 If you are at increased risk, consider getting tested every 3 to 6 months. People at increased risk include those who:
- Have a new sex partner
- Have more than one sex partner
- Have a sex partner with concurrent partners
- Have a sex partner who has an STI
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.2
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
- Which STD tests should I get? CDC. cdc.gov/std/prevention/screeningreccs.htm
- 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
- • CDC estimates 1 in 5 people in the U.S. has a sexually transmitted infection. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/p0125-sexualy-transmitted-infection.html
- • Trichomoniasis CDC Fact Sheet. cdc.gov/std/trichomonas/stdfact-trichomoniasis.htm
- • Which STD tests should I get? CDC. cdc.gov/std/prevention/screeningreccs.htm
- • Trichomonas vaginalis RNA, Qualitative, TMA. Quest Diagnostics. https://testdirectory.questdiagnostics.com/test/test-detail/19550/trichomonas-vaginalis-rna-qualitative-tma?p=r&q=trichomonas&cc=PHP