Trichomoniasis Test

Test for the most common curable STD, trichomoniasis, so it can be treated. Read more

Test details

Sample type:

Urine or Vaginal swab (patient-collected)

Preparation:

Urine: You do not need to do anything special to prepare for the test sample collection. Please be sure to drink plenty of fluids before your urine sample collection. Fasting is not required for this testing. Vaginal swab: During your scheduled appointment time, a Quest Patient Service Representative (PSR) will provide you with a vaginal collection kit that comes in a sealed, protective wrapper and includes a step-by-step collection instruction sheet. If you have questions prior to performing your self-collection, you may ask the PSR or call 1.833.700.2423. The concierge line is open Monday-Friday 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM ET. It is closed on weekends and holidays.

Test type: In Person

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$79.00

+ $6.00 Physician Service Fee

Quantity

About the Test

Check for the presence of trichomoniasis, the most common curable sexually transmitted disease. People with trichomoniasis may not have signs or symptoms. If you’re sexually active, it’s important to screen for STDs. Left untreated, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can cause medical complications. Testing is the only way to know for sure if you have a sexually transmitted infection.

Trichomoniasis is a nonviral sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. The CDC reports trichomoniasis as the most common curable STD. Women are more likely to get this infection than men; however, both men and women may never experience symptoms, which makes it very easy to spread from person to person during sex. Trichomonas vaginalis commonly infects the vulva, vagina, cervix, or urethra in women and inside of the penis in men. Testing for trichomoniasis is done with a sample of urine or a vaginal swab. Collections may differ in men and women.

Trichomoniasis can be treated with antibiotics. Untreated, it can stay in the body for years without symptoms and can be passed along to sexual partners without you knowing it. In both men and women, untreated trichomoniasis can lead to inflammation of the genital and urinary organs, infertility, and increased risk of getting HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. In pregnant women, trichomoniasis may lead to premature labor and delivery.

This test is for people with and without symptoms of trichomoniasis. When symptoms do occur, they may vary from person to person.

Symptoms common in women include:

Itching, burning, redness, or soreness of the genitals
Discomfort during urination
A clear, white, yellowish, or greenish vaginal discharge (i.e. thin discharge or increased volume) with a fishy smell
Pain during sexual intercourse
Lower abdomen pain

Symptoms common in men include:

Itching or irritation inside the penis
Burning sensation during urination
Discharge from the penis

These symptoms can be associated with other conditions. Regardless of your results, please discuss your symptoms with your doctor.

You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a test on questhealth.com. Purchases not permitted in: AK, AZ, HI.

Urine: You do not need to do anything special to prepare for the test sample collection. Please be sure to drink plenty of fluids before your urine sample collection. Fasting is not required for this testing.

Vaginal swab: During your scheduled appointment time, a Quest Patient Service Representative (PSR) will provide you with a vaginal collection kit that comes in a sealed, protective wrapper and includes a step-by-step collection instruction sheet. If you have questions prior to performing your self-collection, you may ask the PSR or call 1.833.700.2423. The concierge line is open Monday-Friday 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM ET. It is closed on weekends and holidays.

After you provide your specimen, it generally takes a few business days to process and release your test results. However, processing times may vary. Your test results will be available in a clear and easy-to-read report. If your results indicate possible infection, you will receive an alert call from an independent healthcare coordinator. Independent physicians are available to discuss questions or concerns you may have regarding your results. This physician may be able to prescribe medication, if appropriate.

How it works

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Complete your test sample collection during your scheduled appointment.

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Access results online as soon as they’re available.

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Discuss your results with an independent physician at no extra cost.

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+ in-home sample collection

If in-home service is available in your area, purchase for an additional $79 fee.

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After you make a purchase, Quest Mobile will contact you to schedule an in-home sample collection appointment.

In-home sample collection

A Quest Mobile phlebotomist will collect your sample and deliver it to Quest Diagnostics.

Get fast results online

Access results online as soon as they’re available. Discuss your results with an independent physician at no extra cost.

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In-home sample collection is not available in all locations.
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Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a serious global health threat. Over 1 million new STIs are reported every day—and an estimated 374 million infections of chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis occurred in 2020 alone.¹ Read our article to learn more about the importance of testing, the difference between STDs and STIs, and more.

Preventing, testing, and treating STDs are essential for maintaining good sexual health. But the benefits of a healthy sex life can extend far beyond the bedroom, helping to relieve stress, reduce pain, improve sleep, and more.

FAQs

How do I know if I have trichomoniasis?

It is not always possible to know if you have trichomoniasis because many people do not have symptoms. Testing is the only way to know for sure if you have a sexually transmitted infection.

Symptoms common in women include:

Itching, burning, redness, or soreness of the genitals
Discomfort during urination
A clear, white, yellowish, or greenish vaginal discharge (i.e. thin discharge or increased volume) with a fishy smell
Pain during sexual intercourse
Lower abdomen pain

Symptoms common in men include:

Itching or irritation inside the penis
Burning sensation during urination
Discharge from the penis

Can trichomoniasis be treated?

Trichomoniasis can be treated with prescription medication. Remember that you can still pass it to another person even while you are being treated. You should not have sex again until your treatment has been completed.

I’m pregnant. Can I pass trichomoniasis to my baby?

It is possible to pass trichomoniasis to your unborn child. The baby could have a low birth weight and may even be born early. If you are pregnant, it is important to get tested as soon as possible.

How often should I get checked for trichomoniasis?

Anyone who is sexually active should get tested at least once a year.¹ If you are at increased risk, consider getting tested every 3 to 6 months. People at increased risk include those who:

Have a new sex partner
Have more than one sex partner
Have a sex partner with concurrent partners
Have a sex partner who has an STI

Is vaginal self-collection as safe and accurate as when my doctor does it?

According to the CDC, by following step-by-step collection instructions, patients can collect their own samples correctly, and the results of the tests are as accurate as when they are collected by a doctor.²

How do I collect the vaginal swab sample? What should I do if I have questions regarding the instructions?

The Quest Patient Service Representative (PSR) will provide you with a vaginal collection kit that comes in a sealed, protective wrapper and includes a step-by-step collection instruction sheet.

Read all instructions before starting to collect a sample. Failure to follow the instructions could affect the test results. If you have questions prior to performing your self-collection, you may ask the PSR or call 1.833.700.2423. The concierge line is open Monday-Friday 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM EST. It is closed on weekends and holidays.

If you accidentally drop the swab or collection tube (or contaminate them in any way), inform the PSR, who will dispose of them and provide new ones. If you are unable to self-collect, please contact your doctor. The collection cannot be done by the PSR.

Can I perform the vaginal swab self-collection if I am menstruating?

Yes, you can perform a vaginal swab self-collection while menstruating. Studies have indicated that it does not affect the test. If you are experiencing vaginal bleeding that is not related to menstruation, then it is not recommended that you perform this test.

Can I use my FSA or HSA funds to purchase tests on questhealth.com?

You may be able to use your FSA or HSA funds to purchase lab tests at questhealth.com. Please review your FSA/HSA plan or check with a tax professional to confirm specific requirements for individual eligibility.

Our references

References

Which STD tests should I get? CDC. cdc.gov/std/prevention/screeningreccs.htm
CDC. Recommendations for the laboratory-based detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2014;63(2):1-19. Accessed July 17, 2024. Recommendations for the Laboratory-Based Detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae — 2014 (cdc.gov)

Sources

• CDC estimates 1 in 5 people in the U.S. has a sexually transmitted infection. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/p0125-sexualy-transmitted-infection.html
• Trichomoniasis CDC Fact Sheet. cdc.gov/std/trichomonas/stdfact-trichomoniasis.htm
• Which STD tests should I get? CDC. cdc.gov/std/prevention/screeningreccs.htm
• Trichomonas vaginalis RNA, Qualitative, TMA. Quest Diagnostics. https://testdirectory.questdiagnostics.com/test/test-detail/19550/trichomonas-vaginalis-rna-qualitative-tma?p=r&q=trichomonas&cc=PHP

Tests purchased on questhealth.com are only for individuals who intend to pay directly for testing and do not want to submit a claim for reimbursement under their health insurance.

Trichomoniasis Test