Sexually transmitted infections
Advanced Diagnostic Testing at OM Diagnostic Laboratories Inc Clinical Laboratory
In 2021, the United States reported over 2.5 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis—marking a continued rise in sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) during the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Data submitted to the CDC via the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (as of July 7, 2022) indicates that this upward trend shows no signs of slowing.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) significantly affect sexual and reproductive health and may lead to serious complications beyond the immediate illness. Infections such as herpes, gonorrhea, and syphilis substantially elevate the risk of acquiring HIV. Gonorrhea and chlamydia are leading contributors to pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility in women.
Furthermore, vertical transmission of STIs from mother to child can result in severe neonatal complications. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a known etiological agent of cervical and other anogenital cancers. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) can progress to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Genital ulcer disease (GUD) is most frequently caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV) and syphilis.
Although many STIs are asymptomatic, when symptoms do occur, they are often nonspecific—making accurate diagnosis challenging. Fortunately, modern molecular diagnostic techniques now offer high sensitivity and specificity, enabling detection even in asymptomatic cases.
OM Diagnostic Labs STI Panel:
- Results available within 24 hours of sample receipt
- Capable of detecting hard-to-culture pathogens
- Compatible with various sample types
- Greater than 95% sensitivity and specificity
Both urine and swab sample types can be used for the Sexually transmitted PCR (molecular) test.Urine STI:
- Trichomonas Vaginalis, Neisseria gonorrhoea, Chlamydia trochomatis
Urine STI Plus:
- Trichomonas Vaginalis, Neisseria gonorrhoea, Chlamydia trochomatis, Mycoplasmas and Ureaplasmas
Swab STI:
- Trichomonas Vaginalis, Neisseria gonorrhoea, Chlamydia trochomatis
Swab STI Plus:
- Trichomonas Vaginalis, Neisseria gonorrhoea, Chlamydia trochomatis, Mycoplasmas and Ureaplasmas
Genital Ulcer:
- The majority of genital ulcers are caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs), although there are noninfectious etiologies that should be considered once STIs have been ruled out. In the United States, the most common cause of genital ulcer disease (GUD) is herpes simplex virus, followed by syphilis. Other sexually transmitted pathogens causing genital ulcers are less common in the United States but may be more prevalent in other parts of the world. The presence of genital ulcers is a risk factor for the transmission of HIV.
CDC recommends all genital, anal, or perianal ulcers be evaluated for syphilis and herpes type 1 and 2 using serology and molecular testing. In settings where chancroid is prevalent, a molecular test for Hemophilus ducreyi should be performed.
Swab Genital Ulcer:
- Herpes simplex 1&2, Haemophilus ducreyi and Treponema pallidum