About the Test
Purpose of the test
The purpose of trichomoniasis testing is to detect an infection with Trichomonas vaginalis. This test is usually ordered by a doctor and conducted in a medical setting like a clinic, hospital, or doctor’s office, but is also available as an at-home test.
The following sections offer information about at-home and physician-ordered trichomoniasis tests.
Purpose of an at-home trichomoniasis test
At-home trichomoniasis tests allow you to look for evidence of a Trichomonas infection by collecting a test sample at home and mailing it to a laboratory for analysis.
Although there are few guidelines about the use of trichomoniasis home tests, research suggests that samples collected at home provide results that are just as accurate as samples collected by physicians. At-home testing also increases access to screening, particularly for people who may be unable or unwilling to schedule a doctor’s appointment.
It is important to share the results of an at-home trichomoniasis test with your doctor. Doctors can help interpret test results, discuss any needed follow-up testing or treatment, and create a plan to support your sexual health.
Purpose of a physician-ordered trichomoniasis test
Trichomoniasis testing may be ordered by a physician for screening, diagnosis, or monitoring of a Trichomonas infection.
Screening tests attempt to identify trichomoniasis before symptoms develop. Screening for trichomoniasis is recommended for women and anyone with a vagina who is at an increased risk of infection or who has been diagnosed with HIV. Screening is not recommended for men and anyone with a penis.
Diagnostic testing is used to identify the cause of a person’s symptoms. Around 70% of people with trichomoniasis do not develop any signs or symptoms of infection. When symptoms do occur, they may include irritation of the genitals, discomfort during urination, or changes in penile or vaginal discharge.
Monitoring tests are an important part of follow-up care after completing treatment for trichomoniasis. Testing for trichomoniasis three months after finishing treatment helps to ensure that people aren’t reinfected by an untreated sexual partner.
More information about physician-ordered trichomoniasis tests is located in our guide to trichomoniasis testing.
What does the test measure?
At-home trichomoniasis tests use a laboratory method called nucleic acid amplification testing or NAAT. NAAT identifies the genetic material of the Trichomonas vaginalis parasite and many experts consider this test to be the gold standard for detecting trichomoniasis. Other types of tests used to detect trichomoniasis are only available through a health care professional.
If you have questions about the most appropriate type of trichomoniasis test for you, it’s important to talk to your doctor or a health care professional.
When should I get an at-home trichomoniasis test?
An at-home trichomoniasis test may be helpful for individuals who do not have symptoms but want to do an initial test for this common STD. In these situations, an at-home test may be helpful if physician-ordered testing is not available or convenient.
Testing for STDs at home is not recommended for people with symptoms. Symptoms of trichomoniasis may appear within 5 to 28 days after initial infection. If you have symptoms of an STD, it is important to talk to your health care provider in order to receive appropriate testing and medical care.
Benefits and Downsides of At-Home Trichomoniasis Testing
Learning about the pros and cons of at-home trichomoniasis testing may be helpful when deciding whether this type of testing is right for you.
Potential benefits of at-home trichomoniasis testing include:
- Accessibility: Testing for trichomoniasis at home is an accessible, private, and convenient option to screen for this common STD. Purchasing an at-home test may be an easier option when in-person testing isn’t readily available or for individuals seeking a discreet trichomoniasis test.
- Transparent pricing: At-home testing gives you the ability to understand the full cost of the test before making a decision, reducing the risk of unexpected medical bills.
- Combine with other STD tests: People who want to screen for several STDs at the same time may appreciate that many at-home test kits combine trichomoniasis testing with testing for other STDs like gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis.
Some of the potential downsides of at-home trichomoniasis testing include:
- Limited testing options: When you are tested for trichomoniasis in a medical setting, a doctor is able to choose from several laboratory methods. For some patients, at-home tests that use NAAT may not be the best option.
- Less interaction with a doctor: While some at-home test kits include a brief consultation with a doctor in the cost of the test kit, this consultation is often limited to a discussion of your test results. Testing in a medical setting allows you to talk to a doctor about your symptoms and other sexual health concerns.
- Not covered by health insurance: Physician-ordered trichomoniasis tests may not be covered by your health insurance. Ordering an at-home trichomoniasis test usually means paying for testing out-of-pocket.
Your doctor is in the best position to discuss the pros and cons of at-home trichomoniasis testing and make a recommendation for which type of testing is right for your needs.
Types of At-Home Trichomoniasis Tests
Below you can find information about several of the top at-home trichomoniasis tests that are currently available.
Best Overall
myLAB Box – At Home Trichomoniasis Test – save 20% by using code Testing20 at checkout
Price: $79
Type: Self-collection
Sample: Urine, Genital swab
Tests for: Trichomoniasis
Results timeline: Within 2 to 5 days
The At Home Trichomoniasis Test from myLAB Box is our pick for the best overall at-home trichomoniasis test. myLAB Box provides free two-day shipping and a prepaid return label, as well as results in just two to five days after your sample reaches their lab.
The test kit from myLAB Box makes it easy to collect a genital swab and a urine sample in less than five minutes. You can then package the samples in the provided self-addressed, prepaid envelope and send them to myLAB Box’s lab.
All of myLAB Box’s partner laboratories are CLIA-certified, which means they have clearly demonstrated their focus on the quality of their testing methods. Additionally, your information is protected by HIPAA web security protocols, so you’re in control of your test results.
If you test positive for trichomoniasis, myLAB Box will provide instructions on how to proceed with a free telemedicine consultation. During the consultation, you’ll be connected with a doctor in your state who can discuss your results, prescribe treatment, and make recommendations for follow-up retesting.
If you want to save on repeat testing, consider signing up for myLAB Box’s “subscribe and save” option to receive test kits at a lower price.
Most Affordable
Everlywell – Trichomoniasis Test
Price: $49
Type: Self-collection
Sample: Urine
Tests for: Trichomoniasis
Results timeline: Within a few days after sample is received
Our pick for the most affordable at-home trichomoniasis test is Everlywell’s Trichomoniasis Test. For one flat fee, Everlywell provides your testing kit, the laboratory analysis, and an opportunity to consult with an independent physician.
Start by setting up your account on Everlywell’s website. A board-certified physician will then review and approve your test order, and Everlywell will send you a test kit that includes detailed instructions, materials for preparing and packaging your samples, and a prepaid shipping label for returning your samples to their CLIA-certified laboratory.
Collecting a urine sample is simple. Just urinate into the cup provided in the test kit, then use the pipette to transfer the urine into a test tube. Put the test tube into a biohazard bag and put the bag into the prepaid shipping envelope.
To analyze your sample, Everlywell uses a laboratory method that identifies the genetic material (DNA) of Trichomonas, the parasite that causes trichomoniasis.
Once your test is complete, you’ll receive results through your Everlywell account. If your test result is positive, a third-party physician will reach out to you by phone. Consulting with a physician about your result doesn’t cost anything extra and Everlywell’s physicians can prescribe medications that you can fill at your local pharmacy if needed.
Fastest Results
Testing.com – Trichomoniasis Test Kit
Price: $79
Type: Self-collection
Sample: Urine
Tests for: Trichomoniasis
Results timeline: Within 3 to 4 business days
The Trichomoniasis Test Kit from Testing.com is our pick for fastest at-home trichomoniasis test results. Testing.com analyzes your sample for evidence of trichomoniasis and provides results just three or four business days after receiving the sample at their CLIA-certified laboratory.
Once you place your order online, Testing.com will quickly and discreetly mail a test kit to your home. Be sure to review all of the instructions provided in the test kit before collecting your sample. Wait at least one hour after you’ve last gone to the bathroom, then urinate into the provided collection cup until you’ve collected around 30-50 mL of urine.
Using the pipette included in the test kit, fill the collection tube to the designated fill line. Secure the collection tube by closing the lid tightly, then write your name and date of birth in the provided space on the tube. Once your sample is prepared, place it in the biohazard bag and ship it back to the laboratory via the USPS.
When your results are ready, you can simply sign into your account to view and download your test report. A free physician consultation is included in the cost of this test if your results are positive for trichomoniasis. The physician can write you a prescription if needed.
Best Complete Panel with Trichomoniasis
Nurx – Healthy Woman STI Home Test Kit
Price: $190 + $15 consultation fee or $75 + copay/deductible with insurance
Type: Self-collection
Sample: Vaginal swab, Throat swab, Blood
Tests for: Trichomoniasis, HIV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis
Results timeline: Within 7 business days
For people interested in testing for several STDs at once, we recommend the Healthy Woman STI Home Test Kit from Nurx. This kit is designed to test for the STDs that are most likely to affect female bodies, focusing on those that could cause fertility issues and those that can be transmitted through oral sex and require throat testing.
After placing your order, Nurx will collect information about your health history and mail you a self-collection kit. Nurx uses discreet packaging, so you have control over who knows that you’re getting tested.
The Healthy Woman STI Home Test Kit includes all of the supplies you need to collect three samples. The kit includes instructions that walk you through collecting two separate swabs from both your throat and vagina, as well as using a lancet that contains a small needle to collect a few drops of blood from a simple finger stick.
Once you’ve collected your samples, place them in the box provided by Nurx and, using the prepaid envelope, send them to the laboratory for analysis. Within seven business days, a member of the Nurx medical team will contact you to discuss your results. This medical consultation is an additional $15 and includes unlimited messaging with the Nurx team.
Interpreting At-Home Trichomoniasis Test Results
The results of an at-home trichomoniasis test will typically be listed as either positive or negative.
Positive test results indicate that the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis is present in the test sample and that you have trichomoniasis. It’s important to contact your doctor after a positive at-home test result to confirm the diagnosis and begin treatment in order to prevent additional symptoms or complications. It’s also important to talk to your sexual partner(s) about your results so they can be tested and receive treatment if needed.
Negative test results indicate that the test did not detect the parasite. If you have symptoms of trichomoniasis and get a negative test result, it’s important to contact a health professional for tailored medical advice about whether additional tests are needed.
Are test results accurate?
At-home trichomoniasis tests use NAAT laboratory methods, which are the gold standard for detecting the parasite that causes this infection. Although information about the accuracy of at-home trichomoniasis testing is limited, initial research supports the accuracy of test results from self-collected samples.
For questions or concerns about the accuracy of at-home trichomoniasis tests, patients may find it helpful to talk to their doctor or the company selling the at-home test kit.
Do I need follow-up tests?
After receiving the results of an at-home trichomoniasis test, additional follow-up testing may be needed. Follow-up testing depends on several factors including the test results and whether you have symptoms.
If your doctor continues to be concerned about a Trichomonas infection despite negative results on an at-home trichomoniasis test, follow-up testing may be recommended especially if symptoms persist. To follow up on a negative at-home test, your doctor may recommend repeat testing or using a different testing method such as a culture. A culture is a test that uses a test sample to grow the parasite in a lab.
After a positive test result, your doctor will recommend treatment. Your doctor may also suggest testing for other STDs including HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia.
If you’re treated for trichomoniasis, follow-up testing is recommended three months after you finish treatment to make sure that you aren’t reinfected with this parasite.
Questions for your doctor after at-home trichomoniasis testing
The following questions may be helpful to discuss with your doctor:
- What does my trichomoniasis test result mean about my health?
- Do I need treatment or follow-up testing?
- What information should I tell my sexual partners about my test results?
- When is the next time I should be tested for trichomoniasis and other STDs?
At-home trichomoniasis testing vs. trichomoniasis testing in a medical setting
Trichomoniasis testing that is conducted at home differs in several ways from testing conducted at a doctor’s office or other health care facility.
When testing is performed by a physician or other health care provider, they can choose between a variety of testing methods based on a patient’s needs. In contrast, at-home trichomoniasis tests only use a testing method called nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT).
Another difference is a patient’s ability to discuss their sexual health with a medical professional. While some at-home testing companies provide a consultation with a nurse or doctor in the case of positive test results, these consultations are limited in scope. Having testing performed by a medical professional provides the opportunity for a more in-depth discussion of symptoms, questions, and other health concerns.
