What is in the STD Panel?

The STD Panel is a molecular diagnostic test designed to simultaneously detect and differentiate eight sexually transmitted infections using real-time PCR. The panel is structured into three multiplexed tubes:

• Tube 1: Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma genitalium

• Tube 2: Herpes simplex virus type 1, Herpes simplex virus type 2, Internal Control

• Tube 3: Gardnerella vaginalis, Ureaplasma urealyticum/parvum, Trichomonas vaginalis

Each target is detected using a separate fluorescent dye (FAM, HEX, or ROX), enabling clear differentiation between infections in a single test run. This design supports the rapid and accurate detection of both bacterial and viral STIs, essential for clinical decision-making in sexual health screening programs.

Role of the Different Targets in Disease

Chlamydia trachomatis

A leading cause of bacterial STDs globally, Chlamydia often remains asymptomatic but may lead to serious complications including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, and ectopic pregnancy. In men, it’s commonly linked to urethritis and epididymitis.

Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Responsible for gonorrhea, this bacterium can cause genital discharge, dysuria, and reproductive complications. If untreated, it can spread systemically, leading to pelvic infections, infertility, and increased HIV susceptibility.

Mycoplasma genitalium

An emerging pathogen, especially in cases of non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU). It has been associated with cervicitis, PID, and adverse birth outcomes. Its cell wall-deficient structure makes detection via traditional methods difficult—molecular testing is essential.

Herpes Simplex Virus 1 & 2 (HSV-1 & HSV-2)

HSV infections are lifelong and highly contagious. HSV-1 is often linked to oral lesions but increasingly causes genital infections, while HSV-2 is predominantly genital and can lead to recurrent outbreaks and neonatal herpes in pregnant individuals.

Trichomonas vaginalis

A protozoan parasite responsible for trichomoniasis, often asymptomatic in men but causing discharge and discomfort in women. It’s linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes, infertility, and facilitates HIV transmission.

Gardnerella vaginalis

Although part of the normal vaginal microbiota, overgrowth leads to bacterial vaginosis—a condition associated with increased STI risk and complications during pregnancy.

Ureaplasma urealyticum/parvum

Part of the Mycoplasmataceae family, these bacteria are implicated in urogenital infections and complications in neonates, including meningitis and pneumonia.

Each organism plays a distinct role in sexual and reproductive health, and their simultaneous detection helps streamline diagnostics, especially in symptomatic and high-risk populations.

About the TRUPCR® STD Panel Kit

The TRUPCR® STD Panel Kit is an in vitro nucleic acid amplification assay that leverages hot-start real-time PCR to detect common sexually transmitted pathogens with high sensitivity. It integrates:

• CDC-aligned assay design
• Endogenous internal control for quality assurance
• Three-tube multiplex setup covering eight STI targets
• Specific primers and probes to eliminate cross-reactivity

With a user-friendly single-step protocol, the STD Panel minimizes technician hands-on time and reduces workflow complexity—critical for high-volume labs and same-day diagnostics.

The internal control is present in Tube 2 to monitor extraction efficiency and PCR inhibition, ensuring that even negative samples can be trusted for clinical reporting.

Principle and Workflow

The STD Panel follows a one-step real-time PCR protocol:

1. Sample Preparation
   DNA/RNA is extracted from urine, genital, or rectal swabs using validated extraction kits.
2. Multiplex Reaction Setup
   Sample nucleic acid is aliquoted into three reaction tubes, each containing a multiplex mix for distinct target groups and fluorophores.
3. Amplification
   The PCR is initiated with hot-start enzymes to suppress nonspecific amplification. Fluorescence is detected in real-time across three channels (FAM, HEX, ROX), corresponding to each pathogen.
4. Result Interpretation
   Cycle threshold (Ct) values and amplification curves are used to determine positive, negative, or invalid results. The internal control ensures sample integrity, and automated software simplifies analysis.

Clinical Application

The STD Panel is a vital tool for:

• Routine STI screening in sexual health clinics and reference labs
• Asymptomatic patient testing, especially in high-risk groups
• Diagnosis of co-infections, which are common and influence treatment decisions
• Rapid testing during outbreaks or antenatal care
• Monitoring of treatment efficacy and post-treatment clearance

Its wide pathogen coverage reduces the need for multiple separate tests, saving time, resources, and costs. In a single reaction, clinicians can identify causative agents, improving patient outcomes and reducing STI transmission.