Test directory: Hanging Drop

Ordering Code632
Test NameHanging Drop
AliasWet Mount
Trichomonas vaginalis
Trichomonas Exam
Yeast Exam
Preferred SpecimenVaginal, cervical or Male Urethral Swabs
Preferred ContainerOther
Optimum Volume2 swabs in normal saline
Collection InstructionsImmediately place swabs in normal saline and deliver to the laboratory within 1 hour of collection or keep warm at 35-37 degrees C. and deliver within 4 hours of collection. If applicable, use the No Additive (clear-red) tube with normal saline added. Do NOT use plastic red-top tube as these contain an additive.
Transport RequirementsDeliver within 1 hour if transported at room temperature, 4
hours if kept at 35-37 degrees Celsius.
Specimen StabilityAmbient: 1 Hour 35-37 degrees Celsius: 4 Hours
Rejection CriteriaDry cotton swab, Frozen, Refrigerated, Specimen older than stability limits, Wooden shaft swab, Swabs in fluids other than normal saline, Specimen received in plastic Red Top tube with additive.
Avail. StatYES
Analytic Time1 Day
MethodologyMicroscopic exam of specimen for yeast and viable (motile)
Trichomonas organisms

Reference range(s)

ComponentAgeMale NormMale Critical LowMale Critical HighFemale NormFemale Critical HighFemale Critical LowUnitsAdd'l info
Hanging DropALLSee report.
TrichomonasALLNONE SEENNONE SEEN
YeastALLNONE SEENNONE SEEN
HyphaeALLNONE SEENNONE SEEN
Clue CellsALL<=1+<=1+

If infectious...

If infectious vaginitis is suspected, the Affirm nucleic acid probe test is the preferred method of detection.