Mycoplasma genitalium can be identified in the laboratory but this can be a challenge in resource-poor settings.
The organism can be cultured, but growth is slow and can take up to 6 months.
PCR or other nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) is sensitive and faster. Specimens can be taken from sites that include:
(1) cervical, endocervical, vaginal or endometrial swab in female
(2) urethral swab
(3) urine
(4) rectum
No test is perfect, and multiple sites may need to be tested to detect a positive patient. Mycoplasma genitalium should be suspected if there is persistent or recurrent urethritis, cervicits or other symptoms, especially if the patient has antibodies to M. genitalium or is sexually active.
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