Urogenital-Secretion Examination for Trichomonads

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Category: Microbes and parasites.
Subcategory: Tests for ova and parasites.
Material studied: Women - mucus from the cervix. Men - discharge from the penis.
Estimated cost of test: $35.00.
Patient time for test: 10-15 minutes.
Reliability of test results: Good.
Available as home self-test? No.

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BEFORE THE TEST

Purpose of test:

• Confirms trichomoniasis, a frequent cause of urogenital infections transmitted sexually.

Where is test performed?

• Commercial laboratory, hospital, doctor's office.

Who performs test?

• Lab technician, nurse, doctor.

Risks and precautions:

• Specimen is collected before treatment with trichomonacide begins.

Patient preparation:

• Activity - Women should not douche before the test.
• Diet - No changes necessary.
• Medicines - Inform the person performing the test if you have recently taken any medications listed under Taking these drugs may affect test results. You may be asked not to take this medication before the test.
• Disrobing - None required.

THE TEST

Sensory factors:

• Touching - When wire loop or swab is inserted into a man's urethra, there will be temporary discomfort. Vaginal exams on women are never comfortable but should not be painful.
• Feeling - Some degree of apprehension or fear is normal and should be expected. Discomfort disappears when the test is finished.
• Other senses (smell, sight, hearing, taste) - Not affected.

Equipment used:

• Microscope.
• Cotton swab.
• Sterile, wire loop (for men).
• Test tube containing a small amount of saline solution.
• Vaginal speculum (for women).
• Specimen cup (if urine specimen is collected).

Description of test:

For men (1 of these 3 tests will be performed):

• Test 1 - Doctor massages the prostate and collects secretions.
• Test 2 - Technician collects urethral discharge.
• Test 3 - First part of a random specimen of urine (not a midstream) is collected.
• All tests - Specimen is sent to the laboratory for analysis.

For women:

• You are positioned as for a routine pelvic exam.
• The vaginal speculum is inserted.
• Mucus from the cervix is removed.
• The specimen for culture is collected from inside the cervical canal with a swab.
• Specimen is sent to the laboratory for analysis.

AFTER THE TEST

Immediate post-test care:

• None.

Activity after test:

• Resume taking any medications that were withheld before the test.
• Return to pretest activities right away.
• If test is POSITIVE for trichomonas, both sexual partners require treatment. There is a specific drug available to cure trichomoniasis.

Time before test results available:

• Test requires only a few minutes in the laboratory. Time before results are reported to the doctor or patient varies from a few minutes to a few days.

TEST RESULTS

Test values:

• Test results are determined by careful examination under the microscope.

Normal values:

• No trichomonas organisms.

What POSITIVE may indicate:

• Presence of trichomonas infection. (In 25% of women and most infected men, there are no symptoms).

Taking these drugs may affect test results:

• Metronidazol (Flagyl).

Other factors that may affect test results:

• Failure to send the specimen to the laboratory immediately.
• Improper collection technique.
• Collection of the specimen after trichomonacide therapy.

From the Complete Guide to Medical Tests by H. Winter Griffith, M.D. © 1988 by Fisher Books; electronic rights by Medical Data Exchange.