Written by Dr.Deyn Natthakhet Yaemim (Founding Director) on 6 June 2015, Last updated 17 July 2022

PCR Multiplex for 14 infections: the Most advanced DNA test in Bangkok, Pattaya, Chaing Mai, Phuket, Thailand

What's New

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a common yet often underdiagnosed cause of illness worldwide. There is a wide range of diagnostic methods and specimen types available for detecting STIs. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, for example, can be done using first-void urine, throat swabs, vaginal and cervical swabs, or anal swabs. These tests are non-invasive, painless, and highly sensitive and specific, with the added benefit of being self-collectible.

Many people with STIs do not show symptoms, a condition known as asymptomatic infection. This means individuals can carry and spread the infection to others through activities such as kissing or oral sex, even though they are not aware they are infected.

Asymptomatic testing—getting tested even if you have no symptoms—is a smart way to ensure that you don't have hidden infections in areas like the throat, vaginal canal, cervix, urethra, or anus. If a test detects bacterial or viral DNA, it provides an opportunity for early treatment and for you to inform your partner so they can also seek treatment, reducing the risk of transmission. This proactive approach is crucial in minimizing the spread of STIs within the community.

Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) are used to detect even trace amounts of DNA or RNA from pathogens, including bacteria and viruses, in test samples. NAATs are especially useful for STD testing, as they can detect a wide range of infections, and most urine-based STD tests rely on this method for accurate results.

WHAT ARE URINE PCR & SWAB PCR TEST?

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), also known as Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NAAT), is a modern molecular technique used to detect specific pathogens (viruses or bacteria) in blood, body fluids, or other tissue samples. This method identifies the DNA of the virus or bacteria. NAAT is the preferred testing method for infections such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Ureaplasma, Mycoplasma, and Trichomonas, among others. It offers exceptional specificity (greater than 99.5%), as well as higher sensitivity and accuracy compared to traditional culture methods.

For both men and women, urine PCR (which involves simply providing a urine sample) and genital PCR are significantly more sensitive than culture tests. One of the key advantages of PCR testing is its ability to detect infections, whether the organism is alive or dead. This technique is primarily used in developed countries and in academic medical settings.

WHAT INFECTION CAN THE DNA PCR DETECT?

In people who has infection with symptom (symptomatic infection) and without symptoms (asymptomatic infections), DNA PCR TEST can detect;

• Chlamydia trachomatis (serovars A-K) which causes chlamydia
• Chlamydia trachomatis (serovars L1-L3) which causes LGV or Lymphogranuloma venereum
• Neisseria gonorrhoeae which causes Gonorrhea 
• Trichomonas vaginalis which causes Trichomoniasis
• Mycoplasma hominis 
• Mycoplasma genitalium (an emerging STI)
• Ureaplasma urealyticum (read more)
• Ureaplasma parvum (read more)
• Herpes Simplex Virus type I (read about Herpes Simplex Virus)
• Herpes Simplex Virus type II
• Treponema pallidum which causes syphilis
• Haemophilus ducreyi which causes chancroid
• Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
• Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV)

WHICH BODY PART CAN I GET TESTED FOR ASYMPTOMATIC INFECTIONS USING DNA PCR TEST?

Let's think about how we use our part of the body to give ourselves (and our partners) pleasure. 

THROAT SWAB

Imagine we kiss and suck and for all the oral sex we use our mouth (and tongue and throat) the infections can be localized on your tonsil glands. So for this area we perform a swab, gently rubbing the swab (or small cotton bud) on the back of the throat, on the tonsils, and in any other area where there might be redness, inflammation or pus. Throat swab can detect 14 infections mentioned above. There are no risks or complications associated with a throat swab culture. The test may cause momentary gagging because the back of the throat is a sensitive area, but it shouldn’t be painful.

ANAL SWAB

Doesn't matter if you are a man, a girl, or a transwoman, if you like it from the back or using your backdoor for some fun the infections from your partners (or toys, hands, or gloves when fisting) can localize on the surface of the anal canal or rectal tissue surface. Don't be too embarrassed to discuss your anal sex and safe anal sex practices with your doctor (We've seen many holes before and you won't be the last). To collect the specimen, a small cotton swab (you wish it is bigger) is placed into the anal canal and the rectum. The swab is rotated gently, removed, and put in a container to be sent to our lab. There may be pressure as the swab is inserted into the rectum. The test shouldn't cause you any pain, we are always gentle and handle it with care.

VAGINAL SWAB

We're talking about women and transwomen, vaginal canals can be a house to host an STI party, and as a matter of fact, STIs amongst transwomen do not differ from the non-TG population unless there are other risk factors involved. To collect the specimen, a small cotton swab is placed into the vaginal canal. The swab is rotated gently, removed and put in a container to be sent to our lab.

URINE PCR FOR 14 INFECTIONS

Urine testing for STIs is becoming increasingly available. These days, 14 STIs can be detected using urine testing. Urine PCR tests are much more pleasant than urethral or cervical swabs (the old technique which was painful and uncomfortable) and are quickly becoming standard practice. Urine testing, as opposed to swab testing, makes it easier for people to undergo STI testing as part of their regular medical care. To collect the specimen for testing, YOU JUST HAVE TO PEE!

Here are the steps starting from
Registration >> Receive label sticker and container >> Go to the toilet
>> do not wipe or clean your penis/vagina >> open the urine cup >> pee the first stream urine until it’s filled halfway
>> place urine cup in specimen bag >> wash your hands with THANN hand wash and water
>> pass it to staff at the counter >> pay >> confirm email address >> Sashay away

SIMPLE SUMMARIZATION

• Our STD PCR Multiplex is the most advanced technology to detect multiple infections all at one test.
• Our STD PCR Multiplex includes 14 infections in different locations;
  • Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Syphilis, Chancroid, Lymphogranuloma Veneruem (LGV)
  • Herpes Simplex type 1 (HSV-1), Herpes Simplex type 2 (HSV-2)
  • Trichomonas vaginlis
  • Mycuplasma hominis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Ureaplasma Parvum, Ureaplasma urealyticum.
  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
  • Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV)
• Our STD PCR Multiplex can detect infections in different locations;
  • Throat and oral cavity
  • Male and female urethra
  • anorectal area
  • vagina and cervix
  • sperm
  • skin lesions

• If you want to look for any possible infection in your urethra and urinary tract, you have to chose URINE PCR 14 infections which you will have to pass the urine.
• If you performed oral sex and want to check any possible infection in your throat, you have to chose THROAT SWAB PCR 14 infections which will be assisted by our staff.
• If you happen to be female who enjoy anal sex without condom, men who have sex with men, and bottom for anal sex without condom, then you have to chose ANAL SWAB PCR 14 infections which will be assisted by our staff.
• If  you are female who have vaginal sex, then you have to chose Vaginal Swab PCR 14 infections, which will be assisted by our staff.

HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO WAIT FOR RESULTS OF URINE PCR AND SWAB PCR?

For normal PCR for 14 infections service, PCR test process takes 7 days. But we are able to speed up the laboratory and their process so that we have faster results from same day, next day result and 3 days result with additional cost**. The results will be sent to your email address given to our clinics or you can check the result online on PULSE ONLINE PORTAL or E-DOC mobile application.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT NOW OR WALK IN TO PULSE CLINIC NEAR YOU.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to book an appointment?

• You can walk in.
• Booking an appointment is optional. Here's how:
  • Go to the PULSE Clinic Booking page (or click Book an Appointment Now button below)
  • Choose your preferred location
  • Choose the service you want to avail
  • Choose your preferred appointment date and time
  • Fill out necessary details
  • Confirm booking

What preparations are needed before testing?

• You don't have to fast to do these tests.