How Is Trichomoniasis Diagnosis Made?
Typically, trichomoniasis is diagnosed through a clinical examination and validated by laboratory testing. Examining vaginal secretions for the presence of T. vaginalis cells is the most common method for diagnosing trichomoniasis. Additional procedures include culture and nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs). (5)
Examining the body
Typically, trichomoniasis is diagnosed through a clinical examination. This involves collecting a medical history and examining the genital region for indicators of infection, such as discharge or lesions. Frequently, a laboratory test is conducted to confirm the diagnosis.
Examining by microscope
Typically, the diagnosis of trichomoniasis is made based on the patient’s medical history and physical examination, but it can be confirmed with a microscopic examination of a tissue sample from the affected area. This examination can determine whether T. vaginalis parasites are present in the sample.
Trichomoniasis is primarily identified through microscopic examination. The diagnosis is confirmed by the detection of motile trichomonads in vaginal secretions or male urethral specimens. Trichomoniasis is also suggested by the presence of epithelial cells with adhered bacteria, also known as clue cells.
Wet mount examination
A moist mount examination is a common method for diagnosing Trichomoniasis. A sample of vaginal or penile discharge is collected and deposited on a glass slide. The sample is then examined for the presence of the parasite using a microscope.
Culture exam
Wet mount examination of vaginal secretions is the most common method for diagnosing trichomoniasis; however, this test is not always accurate. A culture test is more precise and can be used to identify the particular strain of Trichomonas vaginalis. A sample of vaginal secretions or urine is collected and sent to a laboratory for analysis during this procedure. The presence of T. vaginalis bacteria verifies a trichomoniasis diagnosis.
NAATs exams
The nucleic acid amplification test is the most accurate diagnostic method for trichomoniasis. These tests detect the presence of trichomonads in a sample of urine, vaginal secretions, or sperm using molecular techniques. NAATs can be performed on numerous specimen types, including those that are not always simple to collect, such as sperm. Consequently, NAATs serve a crucial role in the diagnosis of trichomoniasis.
