Sexual Health | Pathology | Diagnosing trichomoniasis

Diagnosing trichomoniasis
Session overview
Description
This session explains how to diagnose infection with Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis). It describes what diagnostic tests are available and the collection and management of suitable samples. It also covers the interpretation of test results.

Learning objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to:

• describe which tests are available and appropriate to detect T. vaginalis
• identify which samples should be taken to make a diagnosis of trichomonas
• specify how these samples should be stored and transported
• interpret the results of tests for trichomonas
• ascertain the timescale between exposure to infection and tests for trichomonas becoming positive
• determine the timescale between treatment and tests for trichomonas becoming negative
• discuss the detection of antibiotic resistance in T. vaginalis

Prerequisites
Before commencing this session you should complete the following:

• Module 2/Interpreting laboratory tests (260_0018)
• Module 2/Antigen and antibody tests (260_0019)
• Module 2/Nucleic acid amplification tests (260_0020)
• Module 2/Trichomonas vaginalis (260_0118)