Mycoplasma genitalium Resistance – Urine or Vaginal Test*

Assesses Mycoplasma genitalium for resistance relevant to treatment using a urine or vaginal sample. The public laboratory page does not name the individual resistance markers, and treatment decisions should be made with a sexual-health clinician.

At a glance

• Sample: Aptima urine or vaginal swab
• Collection: Collect urine using kit KT356 or a vaginal swab using kit KT357
• Estimated turnaround: 1-2 weeks from laboratory receipt of a usable sample

What this test measures

Mycoplasma genitalium resistance

Laboratory assessment of M. genitalium for resistance relevant to treatment; the public TDL page does not name the individual resistance markers. A detected result needs interpretation for the sampled site, symptoms and possible colonisation or confirmatory testing; a non-detected result can be unreliable if testing was too early or the wrong site was sampled.

How clinicians use this test

Clinicians use Mycoplasma genitalium resistance to look for the listed infection, exposure or resistance markers at the sampled sites. Results may support diagnosis, but window periods, site selection and confirmatory testing remain important.

Is this the right test for you?

Someone with known or suspected M. genitalium for whom a sexual-health clinician has advised resistance testing to help guide treatment.

Preparation and collection

Follow the supplied urine or vaginal-swab instructions. Return the sample on the same day and do not post over weekends or bank holidays.

Understanding your result

Results are usually reported as detected, not detected, reactive or non-reactive rather than simply “normal”. A reactive or detected result may need confirmation or treatment; a non-detected result does not exclude exposure during the window period or infection at a site that was not sampled.

Your results and next steps

Review the result with a sexual-health clinician who can confirm whether M. genitalium detection is already established and choose treatment using current guidance.

Limitations

This is a resistance assessment, not a broad STI screen. Do not assume it confirms current M. genitalium infection or tests every resistance mechanism unless that is stated on the laboratory report.

When to get medical help

Do not wait for a postal result if you have symptoms, a known contact, are pregnant with a concern, or may need time-critical HIV post-exposure prophylaxis. Contact an NHS sexual-health service. Call 999 for a life-threatening emergency.