Trichomonas Prep




Test Mnemonic

TRICHO

CPT Codes

  • 87808 - QTY (1)

LOINC ®

6566-4

Aliases

  • Trich
  • Trich antigen
  • Trich EIA
  • Trichomonas

Includes

  • Rapid immunochromatographic assay for detection of Trichomonas vaginalis antigen

Performing Laboratory

Cleveland Clinic Laboratories


Specimen Requirements

Volume Type Container Collect Temperature Transport Temperature Special Instructions
OneGenitalSwab in Amies or Stuart's media without charcoalAmbientAmbientCollect specimen with dual swab: BBL Culture swab in liquid Stuart medium (Lawson#101647; Cardinal #4320109) or Copan swab in liquid Amies medium (Lawson #156966; Cardinal #4320147). Both swabs are made by Copan. Swabs in gel or other transport medium, dry swabs, and swabs with wooden shaft will be rejected.

Minimum Specimen Requirements

Volume Type Container Collect Temperature Transport Temperature Special Instructions
Unspecified     

Stability

Environmental Condition Description
Refrigerated36 hours
Frozen36 hours
Ambient<24 hours

Days Performed

Sun - Sat

Turnaround Time

1 day

Methodology

Name Description
Immunochromatography 

Reference Range

Trichomonas Prep
Sex Age From Age To Type Range Range Unit
       Negative for Trichomonas Antigen 

Special Info

Akron: Only acceptable specimen is Rayon Swab. Cleveland Clinic Main Campus: Collect BBL Culture swab in liquid Stuart medium (Lawson#101647; Cardinal #4320109) or Aimes medium. South Pointe: Collect BBL Culture swab in liquid Stuart medium (Lawson#101647; Cardinal #4320109). Saline wet mount specimens also acceptable. All other locations: Collect BBL Culture swab in liquid Stuart medium (Lawson#101647; Cardinal #4320109).

Clinical Info

Trichomonas vaginalis is a protozoan parasite that is a common cause of vaginitis and the most common nonviral sexually transmitted disease worldwide. Studies show that T. vaginalis is an important cause of premature rupture of membranes, premature delivery, pelvic inflammatory disease, urethritis, and chronic prostatitis. Symptomatic trichomoniasis most commonly occurs in women, causing a green frothy discharge, odor, and vaginal discomfort such as itching and painful urination. Infected men are usually asymptomatic and may spread the disease unknowingly, although symptoms may include urethral discharge or painful urination or ejaculation. Treatment of infected patients is important, since infection with this parasite increases the likelihood of contracting another sexually transmitted disease, most importantly HIV. This rapid lateral flow immunochromatographic assay provides superior sensitivity as compared to wet prep methodology, and it is ideal for symptomatic women for whom Trichomonas infection is suspected. For nonsymptomatic patients who may be infected, the Trichomonas vaginalis nucleic acid amplification test (TRVAMP) is recommended. (See algorithm in Documents tab.)

Clinical Limitation

The OSOM® Trichomonas Rapid test has only been validated for qualitative detection of T. vaginalis antigen from vaginal swabs. A negative result may be obtained if the specimen is inadequate or if the antigen concentration is below the sensitivity of the test. Samples contaminated with preparations containing iodine or by the immediate prior use of vaginal lubricant are not recommended. The test does not differentiate between viable and non-viable organisms, nor does it differentiate between acute infection and carrier status. Staphylococcus aureus in specimens at concentrations higher than 1 x 10^8 cfu/mL may interfere with the test results in negative samples. These concentrations are higher than would be expected to be present in normal patient samples. Limit of Detection: The OSOM® Trichomonas Rapid test is reported to detect as little as 2500 organisms/mL. The OSOM® Trichomonas Rapid test has not been approved for urine samples. For urine specimens please order Trichomonas vaginalis Amplification (TRVAMP).