PCR STI Testing with early detection and reliable results

What are sexually transmitted infections?

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are among the most common causes of illness worldwide and a major concern in public health.1,2 STIs are spread between two people through sexual contact and the infection may be considered bacterial, viral, or parasitic. Without treatment, STIs can lead to serious health concerns such as infertility, pregnancy complications, and an increased risk of certain cancers.3

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Over 110 million sexually transmitted infections exist among men and women in the U.S.4

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Up to 70% of STIs in men and women remain asymptomatic for a varying period of time1

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33% of U.S. patients with reported cases of gonorrhea are resistant to common antibiotic treatments5

PCR STI testing

STIs frequently spread during early stages of the infection because there may not be any visible symptoms. Several STIs share similar symptoms, making the differentiation between infections difficult.3 STI testing has traditionally been performed using culture techniques for identifying the pathogen causing the infection. However, certain STI-associated pathogens can take between three and seven days or even longer to culture 2-3, which delays the start of treatment.

Our PCR STI testing provides timely and accurate pathogen detection compared to culture techniques, without the requirement of visible symptoms.3,6 Using PCR technology, our test detects pathogens early into the infection, which could allow more effective treatment options and reduce the likelihood of spreading the infection.

Antibiotic resistance

Some bacterial STIs can be cured with antibiotics if the infection is detected early, including gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis.4 Our PCR STI testing includes reflexive antibiotic resistance testing, which identifies pathogens that provide multi-resistance to common antibiotics. This helps reduce the overprescribing of broad-spectrum antibiotics, and ensures the infection is being treated with the proper antibiotic.

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Pathogens Detected

  • Chlamydia trachomatis (Chlamydia)
  • Gardnerella vaginalis (Gardnerella Vaginalis)
  • Haemophilus ducreyi (Chancroid)
  • Herpes simplex 1 & 2 (HSV)
  • Mycoplasma genitalium (MG or Mgen)
  • Mycoplasma hominis
  • Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Gonorrhea)
  • Treponema pallidum (Syphilis)
  • Trichomonas vaginalis (Trichomoniasis/Trich)
  • Ureaplasma urealyticum

Benefits of PCR STI testing

  • Higher pathogen detection rates than culture testing
  • Faster result turnaround time than culture testing
  • Reflexive antibiotic resistance testing enables effective antibiotic treatments early
  • Convenient sample collection method

Coverage and Affordability

We don’t want cost to stand in the way of proactive healthcare. Our Patient Care team works directly with insurance providers to learn about prior authorization requirements and coverage of STI testing, so you know what to expect. If you do not have insurance or have insurance coverage concerns, we offer financial assistance and self-pay options.

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Results

Test results are provided between 24-48 hours of submitting your sample. Result reports will indicate the presence of any/all STI-associated pathogens, and if resistance was detected for specific antibiotics.

  1. Grad, A. I., Vica, M. L., Matei, H. V., Grad, D. L., Coman, I., & Tataru, D. A. (2015). Polymerase chain reaction as a diagnostic tool for six sexually transmitted infections - preliminary results. Clujul Medical, 88(1), 33-37. https://doi.org/10.15386/cjmed-373
  2. Cao, B., Wang, S., Tian, Z., Hu, P., Feng, L., & Wang, L. (2015). DNA microarray characterization of pathogens associated with sexually transmitted diseases. PloS One, 10(7), e0133927-e0133927. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0133927
  3. Bui, H. T. V., Bui, H. T., Chu, S. V., Nguyen, H. T., Nguyen, A. T. V., Truong, P. T., & Dang, T. T. H. (2023). Simultaneous real-time PCR detection of nine prevalent sexually transmitted infections using a predesigned double-quenched TaqMan probe panel. PloS One, 18(3), e0282439-e0282439. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0282439
  4. Kirzinger, A., Muñana C., Brodie, M., Frederiksen, B., Weigel, G., Ranji, U., Salganicoff, A. (2020, February 18). Public Knowledge and Attitudes About Sexually Transmitted Infections: KFF Polling and Policy Insights. Kaiser Family Foundation. https://www.kff.org/womens-health-policy/issue-brief/public-knowledge-and-attitudes-about-sexually-transmitted-infections/#:~:text=Sexually%20transmitted%20infections%20(STIs)%20are,million%20new%20cases%20each%20year.
  5. Krupp, K., & Madhivanan, P. (2015). Antibiotic resistance in prevalent bacterial and protozoan sexually transmitted infections. Indian Journal of Sexually Transmitted Diseases and AIDS, 36(1), 3. https://doi.org/10.4103/0253-7184.156680
  6. Boskey, E. (2021, August 9). Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for STI Detection and Testing. Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/polymerase-chain-reaction-pcr-3132814

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