The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the CE-IVD-marked artus T. vaginalis QS-RGQ Kit were compared with a composite reference method of wet mount microscopy and InPouch TV culture/microscopy (Biomed Diagnostics, Inc, White City, OR, USA) for female samples and a composite reference method of InPouch TV culture and a PCR method followed by bi-directional sequencing for the male samples. The artus T. vaginalis QS-RGQ Kit showed a sensitivity of 100.0% and a specificity of 98.0% for vaginal swabs and 100.0% and 99.0%, respectively, for endocervical swabs. For urine samples from female subjects, sensitivity was 97.7% and specificity was 98.8%, and for male subjects, the corresponding values were 94.3% and 99.4%, respectively.
The limit of detection (LoD) of the artus T. vaginalis QS-RGQ Kit (in combination with the QIAsymphony DSP Virus/Pathogen Midi Kit) was assessed by using two T. vaginalis strains, with one metronidazole-susceptible strain (ATCC 30001) and one metronidazole-resistant strain (ATCC 50143). For strain ATCC 30001, the LoD was 0.025 cells/ml for urine and 0.044 cells/ml for natural vaginal fluid. For strain 50143, the LoD was 0.021 cells/ml for urine and 0.265 cells/ml for natural vaginal fluid matrix. This indicates a ≥ 95% probability that T. vaginalis will be detected at the claimed LoD levels.
A total of 43 different T. vaginalis strains were tested by the kit and the results demonstrated 100% reactivity/inclusivity. A panel of over 60 bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses were tested and the results showed no cross-reactivity and microbial interference.