Confirming a Ureaplasma infection requires laboratory testing. Your doctor will collect a sample, typically urine or a swab from the genitals or urethra, depending on the suspected infection site.
Several methods exist for detection:
| Culture | This traditional method involves growing Ureaplasma in a lab. It’s highly specific but can take several weeks to yield results, making it less suitable for urgent cases. |
| Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATs) | NAATs, such as PCR, are the preferred method. They detect the Ureaplasma DNA or RNA directly in the sample, providing rapid and sensitive results. This allows for quicker diagnosis and treatment initiation. |
| ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) | While less frequently used, ELISA detects antibodies against Ureaplasma in the blood. It’s less sensitive than NAATs and may produce false negatives or positives. |
Results from NAATs will typically specify the species, either Ureaplasma parvum or Ureaplasma urealyticum, which can be helpful in guiding treatment decisions, as some strains exhibit varying antibiotic susceptibility.
Your doctor will discuss the test results with you and explain the implications for your health. They’ll then advise on appropriate treatment strategies, if necessary.
