Quest Diagnostics introduces specimen self-collection for common genital tract infection testing at nationwide network of patient service centers
Quest Diagnostics announced the availability of a new service aimed at increasing convenience and speed of testing and treatment of several common genital tract infections (GTIs).
The new offering utilizes Hologic's FDA-cleared Aptima Multi-test swab for patient-collected vaginal specimens. The FDA cleared the swab for patient self-collection in clinical settings, such as those of Quest's patient service centers or in traditional clinical settings like a doctor's office. It is not FDA cleared for at-home collection, and self-collection is not intended to replace a pelvic examination provided by a clinician. Patients should inform their healthcare provider if they suspect that they are pregnant or if they have recently had symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease (such as pelvic pain, pain with sexual intercourse, unusual vaginal discharge or bad odor).
With the new Quest self-collection service, patients with symptoms may, with an electronically placed physician's order, vaginally self-collect in a private room at a Quest Diagnostics patient service center using a simple step-by-step guide. Collection directions will be provided for self-collections, however some patients may experience difficulty with self-collection and may require a visit to their healthcare provider to assist with the collection. The Quest Diagnostics patient service center will send the specimen to the testing laboratory. Test results are provided to the provider and patient electronically. The provider may review the results and provide treatment during a separate patient visit and provide further evaluation as needed. The self-collect option is available at no extra charge for the patient or health plan.
The new collection method may be used for laboratory testing of six common infections and causes of vaginitis, including bacterial vaginosis (BV), vulvovaginal candidiasis (yeast infection) and trichomoniasis. It may also be used to test for similar common GTIs including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and Mycoplasma genitalium.
