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Ureaplasma test
Written and reviewed by Slava Fuzayloff | Published on June 16, 2024
How to test for Ureaplasma?
Ureaplasma can be tested via PCR or culture test. The PCR test is more accurate than the culture test, which is why it is preferred [1] Ureaplasma Infection Workup https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/231470-workup .
What is a Ureaplasma PCR test?
The PCR detects the bacterial DNA in the secretion. It can be done via urine or swab.
How to test for ureaplasma in males?
The preferred method of ureaplasma testing in males is a urine PCR test since the urethral swab is painful, and the accuracy is comparable: 99,29% for the urine test compared to 99.62% for the urethral swab.
What is the preferred ureaplasma test for females?
PCR vaginal swab test is a preferred test for females. It can be self-swabbed by the patient.
Does urine culture show Ureaplasma?
Yes, a urine culture test for ureaplasma can show it. A culture test can be done using both urine and swabs. However, it is less accurate and requires more bacteria to be present than a PCR test.
Additionally, PCR has a longer turnaround time of 6-10 days compared to 2-3 days for PCR.
What does a positive Ureaplasma test mean?
A positive Ureaplasma test shows the presence of the Ureaplasma, but it does not differentiate between normal colonization and overgrowth.
Who should get tested for ureaplasma?
A Ureaplasma test is advised when specific health problems are noticed or a person has Ureaplasma symptoms [3] Should we be testing for urogenital Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma parvum and Ureaplasma urealyticum in men and women? - a position statement from the European STI Guidelines Editorial Board https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29924422/ :
✓ Baby born before the term
✓ People with low immune systems (HIV, cancer, Immunologic disease) who present with a systemic infection such as pneumonia, joint infection, brain infection, etc.
✓ Females with PID (pelvic inflammatory disease).
✓ Females and mostly males with persistent or chronic urethritis.
✓ Females who get recurrent BV (bacterial vaginosis)
✓ Unusual vaginal discharge (when other common conditions are ruled out).
✓ Penile discharge (when other common conditions are ruled out).
✓ Male and female with Infertility
Is a routine Ureaplasma test advised?
No. Routine or regular ureaplasma tests on the person who does not have symptoms are not advised since detecting the bacteria does not tell us if it is normal colonization of the area or disease. [3] Should we be testing for urogenital Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma parvum and Ureaplasma urealyticum in men and women? - a position statement from the European STI Guidelines Editorial Board https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29924422/
How soon ureaplasma test can be done?
A Ureaplasma test can be done 14-21 days after exposure unless the person is experiencing symptoms.
What is the turnaround time for ureaplasma?
The turnaround time for a PCR test is 48 hours, and for the culture test, itis up to 7 days.
Source
-
Ureaplasma Infection Workup
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/231470-workup -
Diseases Characterized by Urethritis and Cervicitis
https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/urethritis-and-cervicitis.htm -
Should we be testing for urogenital Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma parvum and Ureaplasma urealyticum in men and women? - a position statement from the European STI Guidelines Editorial Board
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29924422/
