Trichomonas vaginalis

Detection of Trichomonas vaginalis
Microbiology
Bacteriology
○ Vaginal swab
Other Information
○ Infections are diagnosed by detecting live motile organisms from clinical specimens. Specimens should be collected and delivered to the laboratory immediately as organisms lose their viability within 1 hour after collection

○ Swabs collected in charcoal transport medium are unacceptable

○ Swabs with cotton tips or wooden shafts are unacceptable
○ Sterile swab in Amies transport medium (eSwab)
○ Collect specimens from the vaginal cavity (posterior vaginal vault or vaginal orifice) using a pre-moistened swab. Roll swab back and forth against the epithelial surface. Place swab in transport medium
Refer to section Sample Processing / Delivery
In-house
○ 24 hours
416-586-4800 extension 4637
NO
○ Label specimen container. Place specimens in biohazard bag and seal.

○ Transport to the laboratory immediately after collecting specimen (within 10 minutes) to ensure organism viability. Maintain specimen at room temperature (20-25˚C)