Trichomonas Test for Women (RNA, TMA)
This test looks for the genetic material of Trichomonas vaginalis, a common sexually transmitted parasite, in a sample collected from women. It uses TMA technology, which identifies the organism's RNA directly rather than relying on what can be seen under a microscope.
About this test
Trichomoniasis is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide, and it is very often silent. Many women who carry the organism notice nothing at all; others notice changes in discharge, odor, itching, or discomfort with urination.
Older methods relied on looking for the moving organism under a microscope shortly after collection, which works only when enough organisms are present and the sample is examined quickly. Amplification methods like TMA changed that.
Who might consider this test?
- Order trichomonas testing when they notice a change in discharge
- Irritation that has not settled
- Since those symptoms are shared by several different conditions and guessing between them rarely works
Test details
| Quest code | 19550 |
|---|---|
| Methodology | Transcription-Mediated Amplification |
| Sample type | 1 vaginal swab; 1 endocervical swab; 2 mL female or male urine |
| Patient preparation | Do not urinate for 1 hour before collection. If you are female, do not cleanse the labial area before collection. |
| Collection | Quest patient service center |
Reference range
Not detected
Reference ranges are general guidance. The range printed on your own laboratory report is the one that applies to your result.
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Additional details
What this test looks for
The assay looks for RNA belonging to Trichomonas vaginalis, a single-celled parasite transmitted sexually. Because it identifies the organism's genetic material rather than the body's immune response, the result reflects presence in the sample collected, not exposure at some point in the past.
The sensitivity of amplification methods is the main reason clinicians favor them here. Microscopy can miss the organism when only small numbers are present, which historically left many infections unidentified.
Symptoms that overlap with other conditions
Vaginal discharge, odor, itching, and irritation are shared by trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis, yeast overgrowth, and several other conditions. Treating symptoms without testing often means aiming at the wrong target, which is why clinicians rely on laboratory results to sort them out.
If your symptoms have persisted or keep coming back, that history is worth sharing with a clinician along with the result. The pattern over time frequently matters as much as any single test.
Collection and what to expect
Follow the collection instructions that come with the test. For women, this generally means a swab or a urine sample, and if a urine sample is used, the instructions usually ask that you not urinate for a period beforehand so the sample carries enough material.
The visit is quick and handled discreetly at a Quest patient service center, the same as any other laboratory work. Your report is delivered securely to you afterward.
Cost, privacy, and follow-up
The cash price listed beside the order button is the full amount, including the physician's order, and nothing is billed to insurance — so no claim and no statement in the mail. If a result is positive, a clinician can discuss care and partner notification, which is a routine and judgment-free conversation. Trichomoniasis is manageable, and clinicians handle these discussions every day.
Order online and a physician order is included — no doctor's visit and no insurance needed. Your sample is collected at a Quest Diagnostics patient service center.
Laboratory results should always be interpreted by a licensed clinician who knows your health history. This page is information about a test, not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
What does a trichomonas RNA test look for?
It looks for RNA from Trichomonas vaginalis, a sexually transmitted parasite, in the sample collected. Because it identifies the organism directly, it reflects presence rather than past exposure.
How much does a trichomonas test cost?
The cash price appears next to the order button on this page and includes the physician's order. No insurance is billed and there is no separate doctor's visit charge.
Can I have trichomoniasis without symptoms?
Yes. Many people with the infection notice nothing at all, which is one reason it is included in routine sexual health testing rather than only when symptoms appear.
Why is this better than looking under a microscope?
Microscopy relies on seeing moving organisms in a fresh sample and can miss infections when only small numbers are present. Amplification methods identify the organism's genetic material, so smaller amounts can still be recognized.
What sample is collected?
For women, collection is typically a swab or a urine sample, following the instructions provided with the test. If urine is used, you will usually be asked not to urinate for a period beforehand.
Do I need to prepare for this test?
Do not urinate for 1 hour before collection. If you are female, do not cleanse the labial area before collection. This is the preparation Quest publishes for this test; if your clinician gives you different instructions, follow theirs.