Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) PCR controls are essential in the molecular detection of Trichomonas vaginalis, a protozoan parasite that causes trichomoniasis, a common sexually transmitted infection (STI). TV PCR controls ensure the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the PCR assays used to detect T. vaginalis DNA in clinical samples.

Content of TV PCR Controls

Positive Control

• Contains a known concentration of T. vaginalis DNA.
• Ensures the PCR assay can correctly identify the presence of T. vaginalis DNA in the sample.
• Verifies the overall functionality of the PCR process, including the efficiency of the primers and probes, the accuracy of thermal cycling, and the integrity of the PCR reagents.

Negative Control

• Comprises all PCR components except for T. vaginalis DNA.
• Used to verify that there is no contamination in the reagents, consumables, or environment that could lead to false-positive results.
• Ensures the specificity of the assay, confirming that no cross-reactivity or non-specific amplification occurs.

Internal Control

• A synthetic or endogenous sequence unrelated to T. vaginalis is added to each reaction.
• Confirms that PCR inhibitors in the clinical sample do not interfere with the amplification process.
• Helps to distinguish between true negatives (no T. vaginalis DNA present) and false negatives (presence of T. vaginalis DNA but not detected due to PCR inhibition).

Reference Control

• A characterized sample with a known amount of T. vaginalis DNA.
• Used to calibrate the assay and determine the detection limit and reproducibility.
• Ensures consistency in assay performance across different runs and batches, providing a benchmark for interpreting results.