Sexual Health
Preparing for a Trichomoniasis Test Profile
- Blood draw
- Sexual Health
- Prep checklist included
At a glance
Trichomoniasis Test Profile: prep snapshot
- Sample type
- Blood draw
- Fasting
- Fasting is usually not required for trichomoniasis testing, though it may be needed if other…
- Best collection time
- There is generally no preferred time of day for this test, and it can be done whenever the lab…
- Typical turnaround
- Varies by collection lab
- Category
- Sexual Health
This page explains how to prepare for a Trichomoniasis Test, what the test measures, and what to confirm with the collection lab. A trichomoniasis test checks for trich, a common sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite.
What the results reflect
The test detects laboratory evidence of Trichomonas infection in the sample that is collected. Results are usually reported as positive or negative for the organism. Depending on what your clinician orders, additional STI testing may be included on the same request.
- Trichomonas organism
- Infection status
- Possible co-testing
Getting ready for the Trichomoniasis Test
No routine preparation is generally necessary for a trichomoniasis test. Follow any specific instructions given by your clinician or the collection lab.
- Confirm with your clinician or lab whether any special timing applies to your sample.
- Drink normal amounts of water and follow your usual daily routine unless told otherwise.
- Do not start new medications or supplements without checking with your clinician first.
- Bring a list of your current medications, including any antibiotics.
- Ask the lab whether recent antibiotic use could affect your test.
Fasting, timing, sample type, and what to bring
Fasting
Fasting is usually not required for trichomoniasis testing, though it may be needed if other tests are ordered at the same time; confirm with your lab.
Best time to collect
There is generally no preferred time of day for this test, and it can be done whenever the lab is open. If you are being evaluated for symptoms, collect the sample as soon as your clinician advises.
Sample type
Blood draw. The collector will explain the process before starting.
What to bring
- Your printed lab order or requisition form — the ordering physician prepares it for you after you order, and you print it (or fax it from your account) before visiting
- Your order confirmation email, in case the collection site asks to see it
- A government-issued photo ID (most collection sites verify identity at check-in)
- A written list of the medications and supplements you currently take
- A short-sleeved or loose-sleeved shirt for an easy blood draw
- Water to drink before the draw and a light snack for afterward, if your test requires fasting
You do not need an insurance card or a payment method at the collection site: the lab does not bill insurance, and you pay at order time, so there is no copay or deductible. The lab also provides the physician's requisition, so you do not need a separate doctor's referral.
Order process and what-to-bring details reflect the lab's published instructions, paraphrased in our own words. Confirm final requirements with the collection lab that will perform your draw.
What happens during the collection visit
A sample is collected at the lab or clinic and then sent to the laboratory for analysis. The collection itself is brief, and most people can return to their normal activities right away.
Details worth confirming with the collection lab before your visit:
- Does this test require any fasting or timing restrictions?
- Should I avoid anything before my sample is collected?
- When should I expect my results?
Why a clinician may order this test
A clinician may order this test when someone has symptoms such as genital discharge, irritation, or discomfort, or as part of routine STI screening. Identifying the infection helps guide treatment and reduces the chance of spreading it to partners.
Understanding your results
Reference ranges and reporting formats vary by laboratory, and results are usually reported as positive or negative. Your clinician will interpret your result alongside your symptoms and history.
General test information is compiled from publicly available reference material, including MedlinePlus (medlineplus.gov) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov), and is reviewed for clarity. Preparation and what-to-bring details reflect the lab's published instructions, paraphrased into our own words. Preparation instructions, timing, and pricing vary by collection lab — always confirm them with the lab that will perform your draw.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast for a trichomoniasis test?
Fasting is usually not necessary for this test alone, but it may be required if your clinician orders other tests at the same time. Confirm the details with your collection lab.
How long do results take?
Turnaround is typically one to three business days, though this can vary by laboratory and by how the sample is processed.
Can I be tested if I have no symptoms?
Yes. Many infections cause no noticeable symptoms, so testing is often recommended for people with possible exposure or as part of routine sexual health screening.
What should I do if my result is positive?
Share the result with your clinician, who can explain treatment options and discuss testing for partners. Do not start or stop any medication on your own.