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. Because those symptoms overlap with several other common conditions, laboratory testing is what separates them, and asking for that testing is an ordinary, sensible thing to do.
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. By finding and amplifying the organism's RNA, the laboratory can identify much smaller amounts, which is why nucleic acid methods have become the preferred approach.
Collection follows the instructions provided with the test — for women this is typically a swab or urine sample. You order online at the cash price shown on this page, the physician's order is included, and no insurance is billed. There is no doctor's appointment to arrange before collection.
Who commonly orders it
Women often order trichomonas testing when they notice a change in discharge, odor, itching, or irritation that has not settled, since those symptoms are shared by several different conditions and guessing between them rarely works. Others include it in routine sexual health testing, particularly if a partner has been treated for an infection or if it has been a while since the last check.
Because trichomoniasis frequently produces no symptoms, some women test simply as part of staying informed. Clinicians also consider it in pregnancy care and in the workup of persistent vaginal symptoms. Whatever the reason, testing is private and routine, and a clinician can interpret the result alongside anything else you are experiencing.
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.
Your results
Results will be emailed securely to you as a PDF.
One-time price · physician order included · no insurance needed
Prefer a fuller panel?
A curated bundle groups this test with the markers clinicians most often review alongside it — often better value than single tests.
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.