2006 New Test Information Index

New Affirm™ VPIII Molecular Probe for detection of Candida-Gardnerella-Trichomonas

Affirm™ Vaginitis Update! (Revised October 11, 2006)

New Affirm™ VPIII Microbial Identification Available
AMS Laboratory is pleased to announce our newest Molecular Diagnostic Test offering; the Affirm™ VPIII Microbial Identification test. The Affirm™ VPIII test is a probe-based system for diagnosis of the causative agents for vaginitis and/or bacterial vaginosis Candida species, Gardnerella vaginalis and Trichomonas vaginalis. The test procedure is simple providing an objective, clearly visible result, that is more sensitive and specific for differentiating vaginal pathogens than existing methods. .

Accurate Detection Through Optimum Testing Methods
Vaginitis and vaginosis are extremely common and troublesome complaints among adult women. Recent data indicates that now, more than ever, it is important to optimize your testing methods when looking for the causative agents for vaginitis and vaginosis. The Center for Disease Control indicates both trichomonas and bacterial vaginosis (BV)can increase a woman’s susceptibility to HIV infection. Studies have shone that these conditions have serious implications for pregnant women and those facing gynecological surgery. A multi-center study reported that BV affected up to 25% of the pregnant women followed and these women had a 40-50% increase in the risk of delivering premature, low birth weight babies. BV can be effectively treated with antibiotics, therefore, making a specific diagnosis and using appropriate treatment could prevent as many as 6% of all premature births. The potential health and economic benefits of this strategy are clear.

Studies show that a definitive definitive diagnosis of vaginitis can be difficult, particularly with mixed infections, which account for approximately 25%of these infections. Current diagnostic methods are subjective and not always reliable. For example, a wet mount sample deteriorates rapidly, causing uncertain results if not read immediately. Up to 40% of specimens that are culture positive for trichomonas are reported as negative by wet mount. The Affirm™ VPIII test can solve these problems. In extensive clinical trials, the overall accuracy of Affirm™ VPIII performance compared to standard clinical and laboratory methods is:

95.8% for Trichomonas vaginalis (compared to Diamond's culture and wet-mount)
90.2% for Candida species (compared to clinically significant culture levels)
97.5% for Gardnerella vaginalis (compared to gram stain scored for BV)

Call for Collection Supplies
To help deliver the best healthcare possible, specify the Affirm™ VPIII system on your patient’s lab request.
For additional information, please call customer service at 265-4533.

If you have further questions about this or any other test, please call customer service at 265-4533.

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