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HelpTest ID MTRNA Trichomonas vaginalis, Nucleic Acid Amplification, Varies
Necessary Information
Specimen source is required.
Specimen Required
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Specimen Type: Urine
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 collect first portion of random voided urine (first part of stream) into a sterile, plastic, preservative-free container.
3. Transfer 2 mL of urine into the Aptima urine specimen transport tube using the disposable pipette provided within 24 hours of collection. The correct volume of urine has been added when the fluid level is between the black fill lines on the Aptima urine transport tube.
Specimen Type: Post-prostatic massage fluid/urine (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 urine into a sterile, plastic, preservative-free container.
5. Transfer 2 mL of post-massage urine specimen into the Aptima urine specimen transport tube using the disposable pipette provided within 24 hours of collection. The correct volume of urine 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.
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Microbiology Test Request (T244) with the specimen.
Secondary ID
61756Useful For
Detecting Trichomonas vaginalis in urine, prosthetic massage (VBIII) fluid or male urethral swabs
Method Name
Transcription Mediated Amplification
Reporting Name
T.vaginalis, Misc, Amplified RNASpecimen Type
VariesSpecimen 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
Cautions
This assay is not US Food and Drug Administration approved for urine specimens or specimens collected from male patients. However, the performance characteristics of this test have been established by Mayo Clinic in accordance with CLIA-guidelines.
Reliable results are dependent on adequate specimen collection. Because the transport system used for this assay does not permit microscopic assessment of specimen adequacy, training of clinicians in proper specimen collection techniques is necessary.
Therapeutic failure or success cannot be determined with the APTIMA Trichomonas vaginalis assay since nucleic acid may persist following appropriate antimicrobial therapy.
Results from the APTIMA T vaginalis assay should be interpreted in conjunction with other clinical data and symptoms.
A negative result does not preclude a possible infection because results are dependent on adequate specimen collection. Test results may be affected by improper specimen collection, pre-analytical errors, technical errors, or target levels below the assay limit of detection. Furthermore, a negative result does not preclude a possible infection because the presence of Trichomonas tenax or Pentatrichomonas hominis in a specimen may affect the ability to detect T vaginalis RNA.
Assay performance of the APTIMA T vaginalis assay has not been evaluated in the presence of Dientamoeba fragilis.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through SundayReport Available
1 to 3 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Test 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