Trichomoniasis Antibody Screening (Serum/Plasma)
This test detects antibodies in your blood that may indicate a past or possible infection with *Trichomonas vaginalis*, a parasite that can cause genital infections.
["This screening helps identify if you’ve been exposed to trichomoniasis, even if you don’t have symptoms."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 5387-6
- Short code
- T gondii Ab Ser Ql Dye Test
- Synonyms
- T gondii Ab Ser Ql Dye Test
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- dye-test
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Doctors may recommend this test if you have symptoms like unusual discharge, itching, burning during urination, or if you’re at higher risk (e.g., sexually active with multiple partners, pregnant, or have a history of STIs). It can also be part of routine screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a blood sample, usually drawn from your arm. The test is quick and typically done in a doctor’s office or lab. If you’re pregnant, let your healthcare provider know before the test.
What the Test Measures
The test looks for antibodies produced by your immune system in response to *Trichomonas vaginalis*. These antibodies suggest past exposure or infection, but they don’t confirm an active infection at the time of testing.
What the Results Mean
A positive result means your body has detected antibodies to the parasite, which may indicate past infection. A negative result means no detectable antibodies were found at this time. Results don’t confirm whether you currently have an active infection, so follow-up testing or clinical evaluation may be needed.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Trichomoniasis is a common STI that can cause discomfort and complications, including increased risk of HIV transmission. Early detection helps prevent complications like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women and can reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy. Treatment is available if an active infection is confirmed.
Short name
Trichomoniasis Antibody Screen
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
Not yet. A positive antibody test alone doesn’t confirm an active infection. Your doctor will likely order further testing (like a wet mount exam of vaginal discharge) to check for live parasites. If confirmed, treatment with antibiotics is available to clear the infection.
Results are usually available within 1 to 3 business days. Some labs may provide results sooner, but this depends on the lab’s processing time. Your doctor will contact you once results are ready.
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy