STI Testing & Women’s Health

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diseases caused by microorganisms and viral infections spread through sexual contact. When diagnosed in the early stages, many STIs can be easily treated and cured. STIs that remain undiagnosed or untreated can have serious health consequences. Individuals who are asymptotic are still at risk of long-term complications, and can still spread the infection. For these reasons, it is important every sexually active individual be screened for STIs.

Vaginal Flora

All the microorganisms that live in and around the vagina make up the vaginal flora. Healthy vaginal flora are composed primarily of various lactobacilli species, which produce substances that discourage the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. Vaginal dysbiosis occurs when there is a loss of commensal lactobacilli and an overgrowth of pathogenic microbes. These dysbiotic conditions include bacterial vaginosis (BV), aerobic vaginitis (AV), and vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). Accurate identification of the microorganisms that cause vaginal dysbiosis is essential for proper treatment.

Principle of Tests

LifeBrite’s STI and Women’s Health Panels are in vitro, nucleic acid application tests (NAAT). These are designed for use as a screening method for the detection and identification of genomic deoxyribonucleic acid (gDNA) of microorganisms and viral infections associated with Bacterial Vaginosis (BV), Aerobic Vaginitis (AV), Group B Streptococcus (GBS), Urogenital Candidiasis (VVC), and STIs.