Affirm™ VPIII is a DNA-based microbial identification system used for the detection of pathogens that cause vaginitis. Using synthetic oligonucleotide probes, this rapid test simultaneously detects the presence of Candida species (yeast infection), Gardnerella vaginalis (bacterial vaginosis), and Trichomonas vaginalis from a single vaginal swab.
In a study comparing the Affirm VPIII test to wet mount and culture in 852 patients, Affirm had a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 98% compared with wet mount, and Affirm had a sensitivity of 92% and specificity of 99% vs. culture.1
The Affirm test's ability to detect yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis may be of particular use for the diagnosis of nonspecific vaginitis. In a study of 425 women symptomatic for vaginitis, the Affirm VPIII was significantly more likely than wet mount to detect Gardnerella and Candida.2
- Soper D. Trichomoniasis: under control or undercontrolled? Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2004 Jan;190(1):281-90.
- Brown HL, Fuller DD, Jasper LT, Davis TE, Wright JD. Clinical evaluation of affirm VPIII in the detection and identification of Trichomonas vaginalis, Gardnerella vaginalis, and Candida species in vaginitis/vaginosis. Infect Dis Obstet Gynecol. 2004;12(1):17-21.
Affirm™ is a trademark of Becton, Dickinson and Company.
