Rapid Trichomonas Antigen Testing for Females (Test Results in 10 mins)
Trichomonas vaginalis is a sexually transmitted disease which affects both males and females. Globally, WHO estimates that there are more than 200 million infections in 2015 which makes it one of the most prevalent non-viral sexually transmitted diseases.
Trichomonas is a silent infection, with a majority of infections in males and females having no symptoms. The disease has been associated with increased risk of HIV infection by 2-3 times and it can also cause infertility in males and result in pre-term birth for pregnant women. The lack of symptoms can result in transmitting the infection to your partner unknowingly.
How do I know if I have been infected with Trichomonas vaginalis?
In most cases, patients do not experience any symptoms when they are infected. If they do have symptoms, they might experience the following:
Males:
- Itchiness on the inside of the penis
- Pain/ discomfort when passing urine
- Discharges from penis
Females:
- Vaginal discharges that may be smelly/ green in color
- Vulva itchiness
Trichomonas lab tests are not very sensitive, and may end up missing a significant proportion of infections. Depending on the test that is used by the lab, the sensitivity of picking up the infection can range from 30-60% and may take up to 3-5 days for results to be available.
At DTAP EXPRESS, we are introducing a new Trichomonas vaginalis test that is faster, and more sensitive than many of the tests that are offered currently. It detects the presence of the antigen which is a part of Trichomonas vaginalis. The test is very much like the COVID 19 Antigen test, which also detects a part of the COVID 19 virus. This is different from Trichomonas PCR test which detects the DNA of the Trichomonas. While the PCR test is the most sensitive, results take 1-2 days to be known.
In contrast, the Trichomonas Antigen test offered in DTAP EXPRESS is a rapid test that takes about 10 mins for the results to be available.
| TEST | ADVANTAGES | DISADVANTAGES |
| Microscopy | Fast results (same day) | Not sensitive (30-50%); |
| Culture | Sensitivity about 70% | Slow – Takes up to 7 days for results |
| DNA Probe | Sensitivity 60-70% | Takes up to 3 days for results |
| PCR test | Sensitivity 90-97% Results in 1-2 days | Expensive |
| Antigen Test | Sensitivity 80-90% Results in 10 mins Cheaper than PCR | Not as sensitive as PCR test |
What is required for the test?
For females with symptoms: A swab inside the vagina; no pain; can self-swab.
For females without symptoms: A swab inside the vagina; no pain, can self-swab.
With over 43,000 HIV & Rapid STD tests done, our clinic has the experience to detect sexually transmitted diseases and infections accurately. If you think you need help with a diagnosis, please contact us at (65) 6962 1963 (Telephone number) or (65) 8921 6585 (Whatsapp number)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1) What is Trichomonas?
Trichomonas is a common STD that affects both men and women.
2) Can Trichomonas be cured?
Trichomonas is easily cured with tablets.
3) How accurate is the test?
The test used at DTAP Express is more accurate than many other tests and is only slightly less accurate than PCR. It is also faster, with results in 10 mins. Cost-wise, the antigen test is more affordable than PCR testing.
4) Is the test painful?
Not at all. All we need is a vaginal swab sample.
5) How long do I have to wait for the test results?
10 mins.
