November 2007

Peter L. Morris M.D. Medical Director

This test is now available at Pacific Diagnostic Laboratory. The Affirm VPIII detects the three infectious agents that are responsible for up to 95% of infectious vaginitis cases, Gardnerella vaginalis, Trichomonas vaginalis and Candida Species. Affirm VPIII utilizes a standardized, rapid DNA probe technology which differentiates and confirms etiology of infectious vaginitis.

• Wet preps are only 50% - 75% sensitive for Trichomonas compared to 92% for Affirm VPIII
• Wet preps must be performed immediately to identify the presence of Trichomonas.
• 25% of vaginal infections are mixed infections which are frequently missed by microscopy.
• The Affirm VPIII is not hampered by factors such as douches, lubricants or menses. These factors which are presence in 50% of specimens will obscure microscopic examinations. The Affirm VPIII DNA probe technology is unaffected by these factors and thus improves accuracy of diagnosis.
• Gardnerella vaginalis and Candida species exist as normal flora in 50% of women. The Affirm VPIII detection threshold is set above levels of normal flora and detects only clinically significant levels (disease state) of Gardnerella vaginalis and Candida species.

Specimen Requirements

• Vaginal specimen, requiring collection using an Affirm VPIII transport system.
• Specimens collected with the Affirm VPIII transport system are stable for 72 hours at room temperature or refrigerated.
• Specimens more than 72 hours old will be rejected for testing.

Specimens are only stable for 72 hours once collected using the Affirm VPIII transport system. Please record collection date and time on requisition and transport swab. Specimens collected on Friday or weekends must be sent to laboratory identified as test ASAP.

Please call Client Services to request Affirm VPIII collection and transport system at (805) 692-4610. Sansum Clinic may request these supplies using Lawson # 27-5974.

CPT Code	87480	Fee $ 28.00	Fee $ 32.00
CPT Code	87660	Fee $ 28.00	Fee $ 32.00
CPT Code	87510	Fee $ 28.00	Fee $ 32.00

Laboratory ordering terminology: Vaginitis DNA or Affirm DNA

• Test Code: 1161
• Test Name Test Abbreviation: AFIRM
• Specimen: Affirm VPIII transport (AFFIRM swab in transport vial supplied)
• Stability: Must be received at lab and tested within 72 hours of collection.

Refer your questions to the Laboratory Client Service Department at (805) 692-4610.