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Vaginitis screen (Bacterial vaginosis, Candida, Trichomonas)
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Test Name:
Vaginitis screen (Bacterial vaginosis, Candida, Trichomonas)
Ordering Information:
Connect Care LABID:  LAB4055
Molecular vaginitis screen

Organism(s)/Disease(s):
Bacterial vaginosis (BV)
Candida species
Genital infections
Trichomonas vaginalis
Vaginitis
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (CV)
Yeast infection
Body Source(s):
Vagina
Clinical Prerequisite(s):
Provision of relevant clinical information is important to ensure a clinically relevant result
Always provide:
•  specimen source
•  clinical history (symptoms, signs and duration)

This is a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) that simultaneously tests for:
 •  Bacterial vaginosis
 •  Candida species (C. albicans, C. tropicalis, C parapsilosis, C. dubliniensis and C. glabrata)
 •  Trichomonas vaginalis

Indications:
  •  Testing of females =/>14 years of age, with signs/symptoms of vaginitis:  vaginal odor,
       abnormal or malodorous vaginal discharge, vulval irritation/rash, dysuria or dyspareunia
  •  Asymptomatic testing for bacterial vaginosis may be considered in pregnant individuals
       at increased risk for preterm delivery
  •  Note: Therapeutic failure or success cannot be determined with the Aptima molecular 
       vaginitis panel, since nucleic acid may persist following appropriate therapy.  Allow 3-4
       weeks before repeating this test

Additional Notes:
  •  The vaginitis screen is not performed on children ages 0-13 years of age due to differences
       in normal vaginal flora in this age group.  A genital culture should be ordered on these
       patients.  For testing in this age group, refer to: 
       -  Genital culture, bacterial (Calgary/South)
       - Vaginal culture - 13 years & under (Edmonton/Central/North)
       - Genital culture (Chinook, Medicine Hat, Red Deer, Grande Prairie and Northern Lights Regional Labs) 
  •  If vaginal candidiasis treatment failure or refractory disease, culture will be performed.
       -  Clinical history must be provided
       -  Submit a separate swab (ESwab)
       Refer to:  
       -  Vaginal culture, yeast (Calgary/South)
       -  Vaginal culture, yeast (Edmonton/Central/North)

Requisition/Forms:
Order in ConnectCare or use the APL Microbiology Requisition - 20571

Collection Device/Tube Type:
APTIMA Multitest swab specimen collection kit
Comments:

  •  Follow instructions in the Aptima® Multitest Collector Kit (orange label)
  •  Bag specimens separately to prevent cross-contamination
  •  NOTE:  ESwab is not acceptable for this test

Specimen Requirement(s):
APTIMA molecular vaginitis screen is only performed on vaginal swab specimens.
When both Vaginitis screen and Chlamydia/Gonorrhea screen are ordered, collect
ONE vaginal Aptima® Multitest swab.  For test information, refer to:
  •  Chlamydia and Gonorrhea screen (Calgary/South)
  •  Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Screen (Edmonton/Central/North)

To prevent obtaining a false negative result:
  •  Avoid swabbing areas with excessive vaginal mucus
  •  Avoid use of Tioconazole ointment, vaginal moisturizing gel, or glacial acetic acid
      prior to swab collection

Collection Instructions:
Using Aptima® Multitest Swab Collection Kit:
  1. Insert swab (pink shaft) about 5 cm past introitus and rotate gently for 10-30 seconds.
    •  Ensure that the swab touches the vaginal walls to absorb moisture
  2. Place the swab into the Aptima transport tube provided in the collection kit.  Snap off the swab at the score line so it fits into the closed tube.
  3. Cap the tube securely and label.
  4. If the swab is dropped or the tube contents are spilled, recollect using a new Multitest Swab collection kit
Handling and Storage:
Room temperature
Stability Limit:
Ambient (Room Temperature:  30 days
Refrigerated: 30 days

Rejection Criteria:
The specimen will be rejected for:
  • Inappropriate specimen sources other than vaginal
  • Specimen for molecular Vaginitis screen submitted in in ESwab
  • Improper label (unlabelled or mislabelled)
  • >30 days from collection-to-receipt of specimen
  • Specimen not submitted in Aptima® Multitest collection vial
  • Collection vials submitted without swabs
  • Leaking container(s)

Frequency of Testing:
Daily
Turnaround Times
See Microbiology Information»
Comments:
Vaginitis Screen - Important Information for the Clinician


Last Reviewed:
05 March 2024
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