Clinical Significance
Alternative Names Trichomoniasis,T.vaginalis,T vaginalis,Vaginitis,Trichomonas Vaginalis RNA,Urine Trichomonas.
Trichomonas vaginalis RNA, Qualitative, TMA - Trichomonas vaginalis RNA, Qualitative Transcription-Mediated Amplification (TMA) assay is a nucleic acid amplification test that uses TMA for detection of T. vaginalis RNA in vaginal swabs (preferred), female or male urine, or endocervical swabs. It is used in the screening and diagnosis of trichomoniasis. When the clinical performance of this assay was evaluated, sensitivity was 100% in vaginal swab, endocervical swab, and PreservCyt® Solution liquid PAP specimens. Specificity was 98.2% in vaginal swab specimens and 98.1% in endocervical swab specimens [1,2].

Trichomoniasis is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the United States, with an estimated 1.1 million new cases each year [3]. It is curable. About 70% of people infected with T. vaginalis are asymptomatic, though symptoms may show up after the infection has been present for some time. In women, symptoms include vaginal and/or urethral discharge, painful urination and genital burning and discomfort [4].

Patient Preparation
Urine: Patient should not have urinated within one hour prior to collection. Female patients should not cleanse the labial area prior to providing the specimen.

Methodology
Transcription-Mediated Amplification (TMA)

Preferred Specimen(s)
1 vaginal swab in Aptima® Transport Tube or
1 endocervical swab in Aptima® Transport Tube or
2 mL female or male urine in Aptima® Transport Tube

Alternative Specimen(s)
Female or male urine (no preservatives): 2 mL of urine, specimen must be transferred into the Aptima® Urine Transport Medium within 24 hours of collection and before being assayed

Minimum Volume
1 vaginal swab • 1 endocervical swab • 2 mL urine

Collection Instructions
Vaginal swab: Follow instructions in the Aptima® Vaginal Swab Collection or Multitest Collection Kit (orange label).

Endocervical swab: Follow instructions in the Aptima® Unisex Swab Specimen Collection Kit (white label). Excess mucus should be removed prior to sampling.

Urine: Direct patient to provide a first-catch urine (a maximum of 20-30 mL of the initial urine stream) into a urine collection cup free of any preservatives. 2 mL of urine specimen must be transferred into the Aptima® Specimen Transport within 24 hours of collection and before being assayed. Use the tube provided in the urine specimen collection kit. The fluid (urine plus transport media) level in the urine transport tube must fall within the clear pane of the tube label.