Trichomoniasis Test Kit

What is Trichomoniasis Test Kit?

A test kit for trichomoniasis, a common sexually transmitted infection caused by a tiny parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. The kit contains a sample bottle and an envelope: you collect a urine sample yourself and send it to a laboratory, which analyses it and reports the result. The same urine test works for both men and women.

How does it help?

Trichomoniasis very often causes no symptoms at all, and when it does they can be mistaken for thrush or a urine infection, so testing is the only way to know. The laboratory looks in your urine sample for genetic material belonging to the parasite. Because it is looking for the organism's own genetic signature rather than for symptoms, the test works whether or not you feel unwell.

Key benefits

• You collect the sample privately, in your own time, without an appointment
• The same urine sample works for men and for women
• Analysed by a laboratory rather than read off a strip at home
• Useful precisely because trichomoniasis so often causes no symptoms

Who should take care?

Always read the instructions before use. Follow the sample collection and posting instructions exactly - a sample taken or stored the wrong way can give an unreliable result. Check the expiry date and do not use the kit past it. This kit tests for trichomoniasis only: it does not test for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV or any other infection, so if you want a fuller screen, ask us. A test is not a diagnosis and it is not treatment - trichomoniasis is treated with prescription medicine. If your result comes back positive, or you have symptoms such as discharge, soreness, itching or pain when passing urine, speak to our pharmacist, your GP or your local sexual health clinic, and let recent sexual partners know so they can be tested too. If you have symptoms and a negative result, still get checked, as no test is perfect. Our pharmacist is happy to talk you through the kit or the result.