Ureaplasma complex (U. urealyticum/U. parvum) (urethral, vaginal, cervical swab)
The Ureaplasma complex (U. urealyticum/U. parvum) refers to a group of bacteria that can cause infections in the urogenital tract in both men and women. Testing for this complex involves collecting a swab from the urethra, vagina, or cervix. You can schedule this test at IntroLab where professional and courteous staff will ensure a safe and efficient testing process.
When is the test performed?
The Ureaplasma complex (U. urealyticum/U. parvum) test (urethral, vaginal, cervical swab) is recommended when symptoms such as the following are present:
- Burning or pain during urination
- Unusual discharge
- Lower abdominal pain
It is also recommended when there is suspicion of a urogenital tract infection or as part of prenatal screening.
Why is the test performed?
The test detects potential infections caused by the bacteria Ureaplasma urealyticum and Ureaplasma parvum, allowing for timely treatment and preventing possible complications such as infertility, pregnancy complications, or chronic urinary tract infections.
What is the Ureaplasma complex (U. urealyticum/U. parvum)?
The Ureaplasma complex (U. urealyticum/U. parvum) includes two types of microorganisms, Ureaplasma urealyticum and Ureaplasma parvum, which belong to a group of small bacteria called mycoplasmas. These bacteria are unique because, unlike most other bacteria, they lack a cell wall, making them resistant to some common antibiotics.
Naturally present in the genital tract of both men and women, these bacteria are usually harmless and part of the normal microflora. However, under certain conditions, such as overgrowth or a weakened immune system, they can cause infections. Infections caused by the Ureaplasma complex are especially significant for pregnant women, as they can result in complications such as premature birth or low birth weight. Additionally, these infections can increase the risk of infertility in both men and women.
How is the infection treated?
Infections caused by the Ureaplasma complex are treated with antibiotics. It is essential to complete the full course of antibiotics to ensure complete eradication of the infection and prevent recurrence.
Sample and preparation: Ureaplasma complex (U. urealyticum/U. parvum) (urethral, vaginal, cervical swab)
- Sample
- Urethral, vaginal, cervical swab
- Sampling
- Urethral, vaginal, cervical swab
- Result in
- 48–72h
- Preparation
- For genital swab collection it is necessary to contact the laboratory in advance to schedule an appointment.
- Category
- PCR microbiology
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Ureaplasma swab test cost and when are results ready?
The Ureaplasma complex (U. urealyticum/U. parvum) test at IntroLab laboratory costs 5,000 RSD, and the result is ready in 48–72 hours. One sample checks both species, Ureaplasma urealyticum and Ureaplasma parvum. The sample is a urethral, vaginal or cervical swab, so both men and women can take the test. Since genital swabs are taken by appointment, contact the laboratory and schedule a time before you come.
What is Ureaplasma and what is the difference between U. urealyticum and U. parvum?
Ureaplasma is a small bacterium without a cell wall that lives in the genital tract of men and women. Ureaplasma urealyticum and Ureaplasma parvum are two species from the same group, and both are covered by the Ureaplasma complex test at IntroLab laboratory. In many people they are part of the normal microflora and cause no symptoms, but with overgrowth or weakened immunity they can cause infection, and in pregnancy complications such as premature birth.
What does a positive Ureaplasma result mean?
A positive result means that Ureaplasma urealyticum or Ureaplasma parvum was found in the swab. Since these bacteria can be part of the normal microflora, a positive result on its own does not always mean an infection that must be treated. The doctor assesses it together with symptoms such as burning during urination, unusual discharge or lower abdominal pain, as well as pregnancy or pregnancy planning. The result from IntroLab laboratory is interpreted by a doctor.
How is Ureaplasma transmitted?
Ureaplasma is most often transmitted through sexual contact, and it can also pass from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth. Many carriers have no symptoms, so they can unknowingly pass the bacteria to a partner, which is why a doctor sometimes recommends that both partners get tested. At IntroLab laboratory, the Ureaplasma complex test is done from a urethral, vaginal or cervical swab and covers both species, U. urealyticum and U. parvum.
Related tests and panels
Ureaplasma urealyticum (T960) (urethral, vaginal, cervical swab; urine, ejaculate, prostate secretion)
Candida albicans (oropharyngeal, urethral, vaginal, cervical, rectal swab; urine, ejaculate, prostate secretion; conjunctival swab, lavage, sputum)
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) (urethral, vaginal, cervical swab; urine, blood, saliva)
Gardnerella vaginalis (urethral, vaginal, cervical swab; urine, ejaculate, prostate secretion)
Herpes simplex virus 1, 2 (HSV 1, 2) (urethral, vaginal, cervical swab; urine, blood, sputum)
HHV 8 (urethral, vaginal, cervical swab; urine, blood, saliva)
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Genotyping – Genotype 16 (urethral, vaginal, cervical swab)
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