Tampons can be used to detect some sexually transmitted diseases with greater efficacy than traditional swab methods, according to the results of a new study.
Specimens collected during invasive speculum examination have long been necessary for the conventional laboratory diagnosis of vaginal discharge diseases. Recently, the emphasis has been on molecular diagnosis of vaginal discharge diseases on non-invasive, self collected specimens to enable screening of large populations. Tampons absorb fluid in the vagina that can later be tested for several sexually transmitted diseases, including chlamydia and gonorrhoea. In the current study Dr Patrick Sturm of the University of Natal in South Africa and colleagues cultured vaginal swabs collected during speculum examination and compared them with the diagnostic tampon on 1030 women who had no symptoms of infection. A discrepancy analysis was performed to detect technical errors, as well as absence of patients' material on the tampon and other factors that might cause discordant results. True Trichomonas vaginalis infection was defined by a positive culture during speculum examination or, if a discrepancy arose, by repeatedly positive results on polymer chain reaction testing. The tampon proved to be equally effective at identifying women infected with T vaginalis, one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases that are often accompanied by vaginal discharge. Dr Sturm reported the results at a recent meeting sponsored by the American Society for Microbiology in Toronto, Canada. In the study the tampon detected 247 cases of trichomonas while the more traditional swab method detected only 191 cases. Dr Sturm said that the test is suitable for screening and surveillance purposes because of the high sensitivity in asymptomatic women and the use of non-invasive, self collected specimens. The researchers believe that using tampons in this way will be beneficial for several reasons. It allows women to do this test at home and avoid the embarrassment of going to a clinic. It provides researchers with a tool for undertaking more widespread population testing. Potentially, the tampon specimens can also be used for other diagnostic methods.