Study Reveals Real User Experiences with the Xpert® Xpress MVP Point-of-Care Test

Study Reveals Real User Experiences with the Xpert® Xpress MVP Point-of-Care Test

Vaginitis is one of the most common reasons women seek care, accounting for millions of visits each year. However, despite its prevalence, diagnosing the cause accurately and quickly has long been a challenge. Highly sensitive molecular diagnostic tests run in centralized labs have historically had long turnaround times, potentially delaying treatment and increasing patient frustration. So, what if there was a better way to accurately diagnose the most common causes of vaginitis during the initial visit, right in the clinic?

A study published in BMC Infectious Diseases¹ evaluated the real-world usability of the Xpert Xpress MVP (multiplex vaginal panel) test across a range of clinical roles. The verdict? It’s fast, accurate, and easy to use—even for staff with minimal lab training.

Why Traditional Testing Falls Short

Vaginitis isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s complex. The three most common causes (bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, and trichomoniasis) often present with overlapping symptoms, which can make diagnosis a challenge.

Diagnosing vaginitis currently involves a mix of clinical evaluation, microscopy, DNA probe-based tests, and nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs).¹ While NAATs are highly accurate, they are usually “send-out” tests, meaning samples leave the clinic for analysis at centralized labs, delaying both diagnosis and treatment. For women seeking immediate answers and relief, this lag is far from ideal.

A Solution at the Point of Care

The Xpert Xpress MVP test can be performed right where care happens—family planning, OB/GYN, sexual health, and women’s health clinics.

It is designed to detect all three common causes of vaginitis simultaneously, using PCR technology. Its CLIA-waived status means it’s simple enough for non-laboratory staff to use, and results are ready in about an hour.

What the Study¹ Found

To assess user experience, researchers surveyed 19 clinical operators who used the Xpert Xpress MVP test at 9 point-of-care sites. These users came from diverse backgrounds -nurses, medical assistants, laboratory technicians—and had varying levels of education and experience. Despite these differences, the feedback was positive:

Even more impressive? The test’s performance didn’t vary based on who was running it. Whether the operator had formal lab training or not, the results were consistent and reliable. Figure 1 of the study shows that there were no statistically significant differences in performance between user types or based on users’ educational status.

What This Means for Your Practice

If you’re working in a busy clinic, urgent care center, or outpatient setting, the Xpert Xpress MVP test offers several key advantages:

• Speed: Results in an hour means it’s possible to diagnose and treat in the same visit.
• Simplicity: Minimal training required. Nurses and medical assistants can run the test confidently.
• Accuracy: Detects bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and trichomoniasis with high sensitivity and specificity.
• Workflow Efficiency: Potential to reduce the need for follow-up visits.

And because the test is CLIA-waived and FDA-cleared, it’s ready for use in most clinical environments without the need for complex lab infrastructure.

Bottom Line

For frontline providers, the Xpert Xpress MVP test is more than just a diagnostic aid—it’s a potential workflow enhancer. It can empower nurses and clinical staff to deliver timely, targeted care with confidence and ease.

Want to explore how this could fit into your clinic’s workflow? Learn more about the test here or contact one of our experts to further the conversation.