Trichomoniasis Test
Reviewed
Also called: T. vaginalis test, trichomonas vaginalis testing, wet prep
Trichomoniasis testing is used to: Diagnose trichomoniasis infections in people who have symptoms
Specimen: Swab of vaginal fluid, urethral swab, or urine sample
Why this test may be ordered
- You have symptoms such as itching, burning, unusual discharge, or discomfort during urination or sex.
- You are a woman at high risk for STIs (e.g., multiple partners, sex without condoms, past trichomoniasis).
- You have completed treatment for trichomoniasis and need to check if the infection is gone.
Preparation and collection
You don't need any special preparations for a trichomoniasis test. However, if your provider wants to test you for STIs at the same time, you may need to avoid douches and vaginal creams for 24 hours before a urine or swab test.
Next, your provider will usually use a small brush or swab to take a sample of body fluid. You may feel some brief discomfort when the sample is taken.
There are no known risks to having a trichomoniasis test.
Understanding results
Your results will be either negative or positive.
- Negative: A negative result means that no parasites were seen in your sample. Limitation: However, if you have a negative result from a wet prep microscopy, that doesn't necessarily mean you don't have trichomoniasis. Next step: Because wet prep tests aren't always accurate, your provider may order other tests if they think you have an infection.
- Positive: A positive result means that parasites were found in your sample. You have a trichomoniasis infection. Limitation: If they haven't been treated, they could reinfect you with the parasite. Next step: Your provider will prescribe medicine to cure the infection.
- 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
Tell your recent sexual partners about your infection so they can get tested, too.
- What do my results mean for my health and my partner's health?
- Do I need any additional STI tests?
- How should I take the prescribed medicine?
- When can I have sex again after treatment?
- Should I be retested after treatment?
Evidence source
Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Practices and reference ranges may differ in your country.