Trichomonas Vaginalis is estimated to be the most common, curable, non-viral sexually transmitted infection. Historically thought of as a nuisance infection, it has been largely under diagnosed and under treated and can have serious health implications, including:
- Risk of preterm birth.
- Increased risk of HIV.
- Infertility
Diagnostic Challenges
There are a number of diagnostic options available, however tradeoffs may have to be made in terms of accuracy, time and cost.
| Method | Features |
| Microscopy/Wet Mount | Variable sensitivity (30-75%)2
Subjective Requires live organism |
| Culture | Can take days to get results |
| Molecular | Highly accurate results
Expensive Does not allow for test-and-treat approach |
| Point of Care Antigen Test
OSOM® Trichomonas Rapid Test |
No equipment or specialized training
CLIA waived; easy-to-read, objective results Detects antigen; does not require live, motile organisms |
The OSOM Advantage
The OSOM Trichomonas Rapid Test is the only CLIA-waived rapid test available today and offers:
- 95 percent agreement with culture and wet mount combined.
- Antigen detection (does not require live organism).
- Results in 10 minutes or less.
- Objective easy-to-read two-color results.
Probing sales questions
- “Do you currently test your patients for Trichomonas?”
- “How much time does your staff spend calling patients with their result?”
- “How would a CLIA waived kit for trichomonas detection change the work flow of your office if you could perform it, report it, offer immediate treatment in your office and get reimbursed?”
Potential physician objections
- “ I do wet mounts. They are cheap and quick, and this is the way we’ve always done it.”
It can be difficult to see a motile (live) organism each time. I have an antigen based, CLIA waived rapid test, which does not require live organisms be present. Diagnosing Trichomonas accurately the first time can help improve outcomes and lower costs.
- “Wet prep takes two seconds for me to perform. I don’t have 10 minutes to wait.”
Studies have shown wet prep sensitivity varies greatly (30-75 percent), so you want to make sure you aren’t missing positive samples. Would you like to trial a five-test kit to see how it could improve your detection rate and workflow in your office?
The ability of the OSOM® Trichomonas rapid test to accurately, quickly and cost-effectively detect Trichomonas offers significant benefits to the patient and clinician alike:
- Begin immediate and proper treatment.
- Avoid misuse of unnecessary antibiotics.
- Provide an opportunity for appropriate sexual health education during the visit.
- Help prevent further spread of Trichomonas and reduce associated health
- http://www.cdc.gov/std/trichomonas/stdfact-trichomoniasis.htm
- Hobbs, M. M., D. M. Lapple, L. F. Lawing, J. R. Schwebke, M. S. Cohen, H. Swygard, J. Atashili, P. A. Leone, W. C. Miller, and A. C. Sena. “Methods for Detection of Trichomonas Vaginalis in the Male Partners of Infected Women: Implications for Control of Trichomoniasis.” Journal of Clinical Microbiology 44.11 (2006): 3994-999
Editor’s note: Sponsored by Sekisui.