The secretions collected on the swab are examined under a microscope or cultured to detect the presence of Trichomonas vaginalis.

Your doctor may order the test if you complain of symptoms, such as vaginal discharge or pain on urination. If you have an infection with another sexually transmitted disease, your doctor might test for trichomonas as well.

A positive test indicates an active infection that requires treatment with a course of antibiotics.

PLEASE NOTE: Numerically reported test results are interpreted according to the test's reference range, which may vary by the patient's age, sex, as well as the instrumentation or kit used to perform the test. A specific result within the reference (normal) range – for any test – does not ensure health just as a result outside the reference range may not indicate disease. To learn more about reference ranges, please see the article, Reference Ranges and What They Mean. To learn the reference range for your test, consult your doctor or laboratorian. Lab Tests Online recommends you consult your physician to discuss your test results as a part of a complete medical examination.

Trichomonas is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. It infects an estimated 2 million women in the United States each year, mainly those who are 16–35 years old.

An infected person is at greater risk of getting other sexually transmitted diseases, so the doctor may want to test for these other infections also.

Trichomonas infection can affect pregnancy, contributing to premature birth and low birth weight. You should inform your physician if you may be pregnant. The doctor may medically manage a woman who is infected and in her first three months of pregnancy differently.

Trichomonas is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. It infects an estimated 2 million women in the United States each year, mainly those who are 16–35 years old. An infected person is at greater risk of getting other sexually transmitted diseases, so the doctor may want to test for these other infections also.

Trichomonas infection can affect pregnancy, contributing to premature birth and low birth weight. You should inform your physician if you may be pregnant. The doctor may medically manage a woman who is infected and in her first three months of pregnancy differently.