Trichomonas Prep
Test Mnemonic
TRICHO
CPT Codes
- 87808 - QTY (1)
LOINC ®
6566-4
Aliases
- Trich
- Trich antigen
- Trich EIA
- Trichomonas
Performing Laboratory
Cleveland Clinic Laboratories
Specimen Requirements
| Volume | Type | Container | Collect Temperature | Transport Temperature | Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| One | Genital | Swab in Amies or Stuart's media without charcoal | Ambient | Ambient | Collect 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 |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 36 hours |
| Frozen | 36 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 |
| Freetext | 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).