4 Mycoplasma test options: Comparisons and considerations - Medical News Today
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Mycoplasma is a bacterium with over 100 different species. Mycoplasma genitalium and Ureaplasma are species that scientists classify as sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Several companies provide at-home testing kits to screen for these infections.
This article discusses Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma testing. We also list and compare four available at-home tests to screen for this infection and answer some frequently asked questions about Mycoplasma.
Mycoplasma is a bacterium with over
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae): The most common species of Mycoplasma. It infects the respiratory system.
- Mycoplasma genitalium (M. genitalium): This species is a cause of STIs.
- Mycoplasma hominis (M. hominis): This species may live harmlessly in the urinary tract and genitals. However, a person can contract M. hominis bacterial infection during sex.
- Ureaplasma urealyticum and Ureaplasma parvum: These species may live harmlessly inside the cervix or vagina in females or urethra in males. However, a person can contract Ureaplasmainfection during sex.
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Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma may
Mycoplasma at-home testing screens for M. genitalium and, in some cases, Ureaplasma. Additionally, some companies that provide these test kits also offer the option to screen for additional STIs.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Best for comprehensive STI testing: LetsGetChecked Complete 8
Price: $249
Collection methods: Finger prick, urine sample
This product is a comprehensive test for individuals who want to check for eight different STIs at home. These include:
While this test may be costly for some, it comes with a few advantages.
In case of a positive result, the company provides medication for Mycoplasma and five other diseases.
It also allows people to purchase the test every 3 months on a subscription, providing a saving of 30%. LetsGetChecked offers discreet and free delivery, with a prepaid shipping label for the customer to send their collection samples.
The company employs clinical scientists who test the samples in labs with certifications from the International Organization for Standardization and
Reviews
LetsGetChecked has over 13,500 reviews on TrustPilot, with an average rating of 4.5 stars. Reviewers consider the test and the service very efficient and professional.
Learn more about LetsGetChecked here.
Best for fast results: Health Testing Centers Ureaplasma & Mycoplasma
Price: $99
Collection methods: Urine sample, vaginal swab
Health Testing Centers sells health tests for various conditions, including STIs, allergies, and diabetes. Its labs are compliant with the
The Health Testing Centers Ureaplasma & Mycoplasma home test screens for Ureaplasma and Mycoplasma. Customers order the test online, follow the instructions for sample collection, send the sample to the lab, and wait for the digital results. They should receive the results within 3 days after the lab receives the collection samples.
Reviews
Health Testing Centers holds accreditation with the Business Better Bureau (BBB), which gives the company an A+ rating.
On TrustPilot, the company has a 4.8-star rating and over 2,000 reviews. Most buyers praise its speedy delivery, communication, and customer service.
Best on a budget: MyLab Box Mycoplasma Genitalium Home Test
Price: $89
Collection methods: Urine sample, vaginal swab
This at-home test checks for M. genitalium in people of any gender. The package includes the test and a return envelope with prepaid postage for sending the sample to the lab.
The company's labs have certifications from the College of American Pathologists, CLIA, and HIPAA. They are also listed with the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and registered with the FDA.
Reviews
On TrustPilot, MyLab Box has a star rating of 3 out of 5 stars, according to over 150 reviews.
Buyers giving a positive rating generally praise the following:
- fast delivery
- customer service
- comfortable at-home testing
Buyers giving negative reviews generally complain about the following:
- not receiving their tests kits
- the company taking too long to return results
- receiving false-positive results
Learn more about MyLab Box here.
Best for selective STI testing: IDNA Mycoplasma & Ureaplasma
Price: $88
Collection methods: Urine sample
IDNA offers customers the option to test for a single STI or up to 10 infections. Choosing additional tests increases the product cost.
The test components have clearance by the FDA, and the labs have CLIA and CAP certifications. The company also complies with HIPAA.
IDNA's website states that customers receive their kit in plain, unbranded packaging, with easy instructions for sample collection. After collecting the sample, the customer sends it off in the prepaid shipping box. The results will become available in the customer's secure online account within 5 days.
IDNA offers a free retest for customers who receive a positive result. The company also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Reviews
IDNA does not currently have a BBB profile. On TrustPilot, the company has a 4.2-star rating according to 250 reviews.
Positive reviews generally praise the service, speed, and professionalism of the customer service team, while negative reviews generally mention slow delivery times.
Here is how the above tests compare:
People who want to purchase an at-home testing kit for Mycoplasma may want to consider the following:
- Type of Mycoplasma: Most at-home tests check for M. genitalium, so the test may not help screen for other species.
- STI concerns: People concerned about STIs may wish to test for different STIs and not just Mycoplasma. In this case, getting an overall package that tests for common infections may be a more cost-effective deal.
- Privacy and security: At-home tests require customers to send off samples, and this may leave a trace back to the customer. Prospective customers should ensure that the company providing the tests has the necessary certifications, privacy, and security measures.
Test result interpretation can differ from company to company. Some labs provide a "yes" or "no" answer to the test, indicating whether a person's sample contains the infection. Others may provide a percentage probability of the customer having the infection.
Customers who receive a positive result should plan to start treatment as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary health complications.
However, as some companies state on their websites, a negative result does not mean that a person is safe and in the clear.
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Customers who receive a positive result should also retake the test after completing their medication to ensure their treatment was successful.
People should consult a doctor to discuss treatment options if they receive a positive test result.
They should also consider contacting a healthcare professional if they suspect the result is a false negative. This may be the case if they know they have had exposure to the infection or are experiencing infection symptoms.
Below are some answers to frequently asked questions about Mycoplasma.
How do doctors diagnose a Mycoplasma infection?
Medical professionals diagnose M. genitalium using nucleic acid amplification testing. This procedure involves making multiple copies of the bacteria's genetic material so that the bacteria become more easily identifiable within the sample. However, this will only occur if the bacteria are present within the sample.
What does the Mycoplasma test involve?
The Mycoplasma at-home test requires a person to take a urine sample or a vaginal swab. The lab then checks these samples for the presence of the infection.
What does it mean to test positive for Mycoplasma?
Mycoplasma infection may not be as severe as other STIs due to the availability of treatment.
However, people who test positive for Mycoplasma should still seek medication or consult a doctor as soon as possible. Prompt treatment helps reduce the risk of complications, such as cervicitis, PID, and pregnancy complications.
People with symptoms of UTI or STI should also speak with a doctor.
Mycoplasma is a bacterium with over 100 different species. Mycoplasma genitalium is a species that can affect the genitalia and reproductive organs. An M. genitalium infection can cause complications, such as cervicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and pregnancy complications.
Several companies provide at-home tests to screen for STIs, including M. genitalium. Some testing kits screen for a single STI, while others screen for multiple infections.
People should be aware that at-home tests can return false-positive or false-negative results. Individuals should also take care to purchase tests only from reputable companies with the appropriate certifications and security measures.
A person who receives a positive test result should follow up with a consultation from a doctor to receive appropriate treatment. Taking prompt action to treat a Mycoplasma infection can help prevent complications.
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