Private Mycoplasma Test
A mycoplasma test is a test that is done to check for current infections as a result of the presence of Mycoplasma hominis or ureaplasma urealyticum. These bacteria are usually transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person. There are several ways that the mycoplasma test can be done; it all depends on the suspected type of mycoplasma infection.
The type of mycoplasma test to be carried out will also determine the type of sample to be used. It can be a genital swab, joint fluid, tissue sample, sputum and body fluid. A urine sample is used to check for infection with the mycoplasma hominis or urealyticum.
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The Mycoplasma test is essential for diagnosing infections that are caused by Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis. The specific types of tests and samples that will be taken are different due to factors like your age, the symptoms you are experiencing, your medical history, and the healthcare provider's clinical judgment on the potential involvement of the organ.
Mycoplasmas are one of the smallest of the free-living microorganisms that are recognised. They can be found in parts of the throat, genitourinary tract, or respiratory tract. Mycoplasmas are different from other bacteria when it comes to identification and culturing. It often proves difficult to identify and culture.
Testing is usually performed to identify mycoplasmas such as Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma genitalium. When these organisms are found in adults, they are most likely contracted through unprotected sexual intercourse, and this usually results in conditions like nongonococcal urethritis (NGU). It can as well be linked to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and vaginal discharge in women and prostatitis in men.
Genital samples for Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis are thoroughly tested using a culture method, which could take a couple of days to regain the microbes. As for Mycoplasma genitalium, DNA testing is a more accurate means of testing as this can take anywhere from one to two months to culture.
Ureaplasma urealyticum and mycoplasma hominis can also be transmitted from a mother to her baby during childbirth. This usually happens when your baby passes the infected birth canal. Although it's uncommon, this can sometimes result in systemic infections in children and those with a weak immune system.
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is another type of mycoplasma which is a leading cause of upper respiratory infections. It has an estimate of about two million cases that happen every year in the UK. About 15-20% of community-acquired pneumonia cases can be attributed to it. It sometimes occurs as isolated incidents and epidemics from time to time, usually among children of school age and in crowded living environments.
BOOK AN APPOINTMENTA test is carried out to diagnose whether a urinary tract infection or genital infection is caused by Mycoplasma hominis, Mycoplasma genitalium, and Ureaplasma urealyticum. For this test process, a sample of urine is analysed.
A mycoplasma test varies in price depending on where you take the test and what your insurance policy covers. Our at-home ureaplasma and mycoplasma testing kits are usually different in price than when you have to come into the clinic for a test in the laboratory, although a test in the laboratory is always more accurate. If your doctor orders a blood sample test, your insurance company will usually cover a part of it minus any deductibles that you will be expected to pay. Check with your insurance provider to find out if your insurance plan covers this.
For women, a collection kit with a vaginal swab is made available, while for men, a urine sample will be used. Results should take about three or four days to be ready. The at-home kit should cost around £99. The cost of other types of mycoplasma tests is different based on where the sample is collected. Other questions regarding cost should be directed at your health care provider or health plan.
Usually, there is no particular thing that you need to do before a mycoplasma test, but your healthcare provider will tell you if there are any test instructions to follow. For tests using urine samples or a vaginal swab, our healthcare practitioner will inform you on what to do. If you opt for the at-home test kit, you should follow all the instructions precisely to get an accurate test result.
For a mycoplasma test using a urine sample, all that needs to be done is to collect a urine sample.
For a vaginal test sample, a swab will be carefully inserted into your vagina to retrieve the sample. You can do this yourself, or our medical professional can help you with it. The process takes a couple of seconds, so you should feel little to no discomfort. If you are performing this by yourself, make sure you read and follow all the instructions to collect the sample correctly.
When a genital sample is taken and a positive culture is analysed, it can mean that mycoplasma is naturally occurring. That is why the test is done together with other tests for sexually transmitted infections.
You should ask your healthcare provider questions regarding the test results to gain better insight.
Book an appointment today for a reliable mycoplasma test with our experienced medical professional at the Health Screening Clinic. You can take advantage of our easy booking system to choose a time and day that is most convenient for you. You can reach out to us by calling for more information.