RI researchers investigate a new STD testing method

While gonorrhea and chlamydia are widespread sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), researchers from Rhode Island Hospital said they believe that if it were a reportable condition, the number of current Trichamonos vaginosis (TV) infections would double those of the two common STDs combined.

However, the TV testing method currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was found to be unreliable by the investigators.

They conducted a study of more than 750 women, using a newly developed test called the APTIMA assay.

After comparing the same womens' test results from the new assessment and the FDA approved method, the results showed that 36 percent more diagnoses were discovered using the assay. Moreover, the new system did not show any false positives.

The researchers also noted that participants who were between the ages of 36 and 45 were the most likely to present a TV infection.

The study's authors have submitted their findings to the FDA for further review and hope that the new information may yield the approval of a more effective TV test.

Any individual who would like to take advantage of available STD screenings may consider using online testing services.