American Esoteric Laboratories (AEL), Memphis, Tenn, an independent regional provider of esoteric and clinical lab services, has expanded its test offerings for women with the addition of the Trichomonas Amplified Probe test and improved high-risk HPV testing capabilities.
The Trichomonas Amplified Probe is a nucleic acid amplification test designed to detect the sexually transmitted parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, which can cause vaginitis, urethritis, and premature membrane rupture in pregnancy, and makes women more susceptible to infection with HIV-1. This test is cleared by the FDA for IVD use.
Prior to the molecular technology testing for Trichomonas, the parasite was typically detected with culture methods, which are slower and less sensitive, requiring microscopic examination of the specimen shortly after it is collected. Now, the Trichomonas Amplified Probe test can be performed off a urine sample, swab collection tube or thin prep PAP vial. It also can be ordered as a single test or as part of a panel of tests, depending on a client’s needs.
AEL is now using the Roche polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for HPV high-risk testing, which allows the reporting of HPV types 16 and 18 with every result. Women with these virus types are at the highest risk of developing cervical cancer. Specifically, HPV16 is the most carcinogenic HPV genotype and accounts for approximately 55% to 60% of all cervical cancers. HPV18 is the second most carcinogenic genotype, accounting for approximately 10% to 15% of cervical cancers.
AEL, a full service community-based medical lab serving physician offices, hospitals, and industry, has served the mid-south region for more than 50 years. It operates patient service centers throughout Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Kentucky, and Alabama.
[Source: AEL]
