Specimen Collection
SwabCollect a high vaginal swab (HVS) in a Microbiology culture transwab (gel) tube.
Store and transport at room temperature.
Specimen
MUST reach Microbiology within 24 hours
from collection.
Turnaround Time:
Up to 2 weeks
Assay Method
MIC using serial broth dilution in a micro titre tray.
Diagnostic Use and Interpretation
The sensitivity test is determined by the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC).
The MIC is the lowest concentration of an antimicrobial agent that will inhibit the growth of an organism.This concentration is reported in ug
/ml.
Once received the transwab specimen is cultured in a special broth called TYM (trypticase yeast maltose), designed for growing Trichomonas vaginalis.
Once actively growing (can take a number of days) the sensitivity test can be performed.
The sensitivity test for Trichomonas uses a serial dilution of Metronidazole in broth ranging from 0.2-400ug/ml.
It is based on the "aerobic" in vitro susceptibility test be Meingassner J et al.
Interpretation: Sensitive range 0.2-6ug/ml
Resistant (low level) 12-25ug/ml
Resistant (high level) >/=50ug/ml
MIC levels to Ornidazole or Tinidazole are not available.
In order to perform sensitivity testing, the culture must be free of yeast. The yeast will overgrow and the MIC unable to be determined
Chlamydia/Gonorrhoea/Trichomonas NAAT
Urogenital Screen
Contact Information
Dr Sally Roberts
, Microbiologist:
ext 22705
Cellphone
021 674 140
Dr Sharmini Muttaiyah
, Microbiologist:
ext 22700
Cellphone
021 615 892
Dr Mary de Almeida
, Microbiologist:
ext 22700
Cellphone
021 170 9117
Dr Matthew Blakiston
, Microbiologist: contact via Lablink
Specimen Transport Instructions for Referring Laboratories
The Microbiology culture transwab (gel) tube
MUST reach LabPlus within 24 hours
, for trichomonas to remain viable. Delay will result in a non-viable culture.
Send at room temperature.
Best method is to have the sample collected and sent on the same day.
Do not send samples at the end of the week. Send early in the week.
Do not send sample if specimen contains yeast.
Please advise when sending samples for testing or when there are difficulties in meeting the 24hr time.
Provide clinical details and contact information (phone and email)