Trichomoniasis Test
Reviewed
This test looks for the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis in a sample of body fluid from the genital area. It is used to diagnose trichomoniasis, screen women at high risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and check for reinfection after treatment.
Preparation and collection
No special preparation is needed.
Understanding this test
Use the reference interval and units printed by the laboratory that performed the test. A result outside that interval is not a diagnosis by itself, and a result inside it does not rule out every condition. Your symptoms, history, medicines, timing, and related tests can change what the result means.
- Wet prep microscopy may miss some infections; more sensitive tests (NAAT, culture) may be needed if symptoms persist despite a negative result.
- A positive result does not indicate how long you have had the infection or when you acquired it.
- This test does not diagnose other STIs; additional testing may be recommended.
What to do next
If you test positive, your provider will prescribe antibiotics. Complete the full course, inform recent partners, and avoid sex until treatment is finished. If symptoms continue after treatment, contact your provider. To prevent future infections, use condoms correctly and consider mutual monogamy with a partner who has tested negative for STIs.