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How Accurate Are Chlamydia Urine Tests

Sbus Appraisal Of The Evidence

Chlamydia Test Results Overview
  • Urine specimens are somewhat less sensitive than vaginal and cervical specimens. Vaginal specimens have the highest sensitivity for diagnosing chlamydia in women.
  • Urine, vaginal, and cervical specimens have similar specificity. In other words, they are equally likely to yield a correct, ie, negative, finding in women who are not infected.
  • The scientific evidence is insufficient to compare the diagnostic accuracy of urine specimens alone versus various combinations of specimens, since only one study in the assessment included such a comparison.
  • The scientific evidence is insufficient to draw conclusions on the cost-effectiveness of using urine specimens as the only test for establishing a chlamydia diagnosis in women. Too few studies of sufficient quality are available. The total cost of chlamydia testing is influenced mainly by how specimens are taken. Vaginal and urine specimens can be collected by the patient herself. This lowers the cost in comparison to taking cervical specimens, where health professionals must collect the specimen.

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Other Complications Of Untreated Chlamydia In All People

  • Conjunctivitis, spread by touching the infected area and then touching the hand to the eye
  • Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the rectum , if the chlamydia is from anal sex
  • Varied symptoms, such as joint and eye inflammation, caused by bacterial infection
  • Lymphogranuloma venereum, or LGV. This is caused by a type of chlamydia that is usually rare in Canada and the United States, but it is becoming more common in men who have sex with men. It causes open sores in the genital area, headache, fever, fatigue, and swelling of the lymph nodes in the groin. It also causes proctitis in people who get chlamydia through anal sex.

The Importance Of Obtaining First Catch Urine Samples For Chlamydia Trachomatis And Neisseria Gonorrhoeae Testing

2015, Volume 25, Number 1

Urine specimens are being used with increasing frequency to detect Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in adult and adolescent patients. Urine specimens have advantages because they are non-invasive and easy to collect but these specimens will detect up to 10% fewer infections compared with vaginal and Endocervical swab samples. 1 A contributing factor in the reduced sensitivity of urine specimens relates to confusion about specimen collection for sexually transmitted diseases versus urinary tract infections. Urine collection procedures for these entities are quite different.

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When Should I Get Chlamydia Testing

As most people infected with chlamydia do not experience symptoms, doctors rely on screening to detect most cases of chlamydia. Screening guidelines vary based on many factors, including a persons anatomy, health, and sexual practices. Regular screening for chlamydia is recommended for several groups:

Certain factors increase the risk of contracting chlamydia and may affect how often a person should be screened. Risk factors include having:

  • Sex with a new partner
  • More than one sexual partner or a partner who has sex with mutiple people
  • A sex partner diagnosed with an STD

Testing for chlamydia is more frequently conducted in asymptomatic people in settings where infection rates are high, which often includes correctional facilities, adolescent health clinics, the military, and sexual health clinics.

Diagnostic chlamydia testing is recommended for anyone with signs or symptoms of this infection. When symptoms do occur, they may not appear until a few weeks after exposure. Signs and symptoms of chlamydia can vary based on the site of infection but may include:

  • Burning during urination
  • Abnormal discharge from the vagina, penis, or rectum
  • Vaginal bleeding after sex or pain during intercourse
  • Pain, tenderness, or swelling in the testicles or scrotum
  • Rectal pain

Frequently Asked Questions About Sti Testing

Chlamydia Test

By Donna White | Aug. 16, 2018, 2:01 p.m.

Missouri has STIs. Do you? Theres only one way to find out: get yourself tested.

Many people know they should get tested for STIs, but arent sure how testing works or what to expect when they get to the health center. Sexually transmitted infections may seem scary, but getting yourself tested doesnt have to be. Here are some of the most common questions we get about STI testing.

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Do I Need To Get Tested Even Without Symptoms

If you are sexually active you should still get tested for chlamydia regularly even if you dont have symptoms. Passing on chlamydia can make any relationship or sexual encounter extremely awkward and can also have serious repercussions for the other persons health.

Even without symptoms chlamydia can cause pelvic inflammatory disease in women which can seriously hard reproductive health. It can also cause fertility problems for men. Testing regularly is the most straightforward way to protect both your health and the health of your future sexual partners.

Dr Bani

How Much Does The Test Cost

The cost of chlamydia testing varies based on many factors. Chlamydia testing may be paid for by health insurance when ordered by a doctor. Because health plans vary, its important for patients to discuss the cost of testing, including any copays or deductibles, with their health plan.

For patients without health insurance coverage, the cost of testing may include the cost of the office visit and sample collection as well as technician fees. Testing may also be available for free or at low cost through community-based organizations and local health departments.

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How Do You Test For Chlamydia

Nucleic Acid Amplification The three NAA tests described below work by finding the DNA of chlamydia bacteria. Because NAA tests search for the bacterias genetic material, it is very unlikely that a false-positive test result will occur. The incubation period for chlamydia is 1-5 days, so wait at least five days after potential chlamydia exposure before getting tested to ensure the most accurate results possible.

Urine samples

  • Testing via urine samples needs to consist of first-catch urine . Patients should not include more than the first-catch in the collection cup to avoid diluting the sample.
  • Patients should not urinate for at least one hour prior to providing a sample.
  • Female patients should not cleanse the labial area prior to providing the specimen.

Swab cultures

Why shouldnt you get tested for chlamydia via a blood test?

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay Antibodies, IgM

  • IgM antibodies are found mainly in the blood and lymph fluid they are the first antibody to be made by the body to fight a new infection.
  • This blood samples results should not be used as a diagnostic procedure without confirmation of the diagnosis by another medically established diagnostic product or procedure.

Enzyme immunoassay Antibodies, IgG

  • IgG antibodies are the most abundant type of antibody they are found in all body fluids and protect against bacterial and viral infections.

How To Test For Chlamydia: Naat

Can Chlamydia Be Detected In A Urine Test

The main test for a Chlamydia infection is the nucleic acid amplification test or NAAT. This test is used to detect the DNA of the Chlamydia bacterium. The NAAT test is the most accurate test for Chlamydia infections that is available. It comes with the advantage that it can be done on a urine sample.

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Limits Of Urine Tests For Gonorrhea And Chlamydia

In 2018, 1.8 million cases of chlamydia were reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in addition to 583,405 cases of gonorrhea. These numbers show an increase of 19% for chlamydia and 63% for gonorrhea since 2014.

Most infections with gonorrhea and chlamydia are asymptomatic. The fact that many people have no symptoms means that the only way to detect and treat these infections is through screening.

In men, these diseases usually infect the urethra, and in women the cervix. However, it is possible to get both of these diseases in the throat, from oral sex. Anal sex can also lead to rectal chlamydia and rectal gonorrhea infections.

Neither rectal nor oral/throat infections will be detected by urine testing. It is therefore important to let your healthcare provider know if you have unprotected oral or anal sex. Testing should be done separately for those sites.

Currently, it is recommended that men who have sex with men undergo urine, throat, and anal screening once a year. Other people who regularly have unprotected oral or anal sex should consider a similar screening regimen. People who only engage in vaginal intercourse can get by with urine testing alone for gonorrhea and chlamydia.

Where To Get Tested For Chlamydia

In United States, we have over 4,000 testing centres across the country for Chlamydia. A person can get a test done at any of these testing centres.

Someone is required to book the test in advance through over website before visiting any of our Chlamydia testing centers. We do not accept any payment at the testing centre.

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What Are The Most Accurate Rapid Point

Based on the results of this systematic review, the POC test based on antigen detection has suboptimal sensitivity but good specificity. Performance of this test translates, on average, to a 52% chance of mistakenly indicating absence of infection and a 2% chance of mistakenly pointing to the presence of this condition. Because of its deleterious consequences for reproductive health, and considering the current availability of safe and effective interventions to treat C trachomatis infection, the POC screening strategy should not be based on a rapid diagnostic test for antigen detection. Research in this topic should focus on different technologies.

To determine the diagnostic accuracy of rapid point-of-care testing for detecting urogenital C trachomatis infection in nonpregnant women and men of reproductive age, as verified with nucleic acid amplification tests as the reference standard.

In November 2019 we searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase and LILACS. We also searched Web of Science, two trials registries and an abstract database. We screened reference lists of included studies for additional references.

Questions For Your Doctor About Test Results

Chlamydia Test

It can be helpful to bring questions to your doctor to learn more about your chlamydia test results. Helpful questions may include:

  • What is my chlamydia test result?
  • Did my test check for any other STDs?
  • Do I need any treatment based on my results?
  • How can I talk to my sexual partners about chlamydia?
  • When should I be tested for STDs and how often?

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How Long Do Sti Test Results Take

STI test results can take between five and 10 days. If you have testing done at Planned Parenthood, well contact you ONLY if your results are positive. If this is the case, well give you a call to ask you to come back for follow up. Planned Parenthood does not contact patients if the results are negative. Patients can view negative results in the Patient Portal. If you want to confirm a negative result or want a copy for your records, please call the health center or stop by for a copy.

If the result is positive or inconclusive, we will call you to notify you of the results and ask you to make a follow up appointment to receive treatment or further services. The call also gives you a chance to ask questions.

Comparing Urine Sti Tests To Other Sti Tests

Some people still question whether urine testing is as effective at detecting bacterial STI like chlamydia and gonorrhea. These questions usually focus on the efficacy of the tests in women. Why?

The most common site of female infection is not on the pathway that urine travels out of the body. In contrast, urine passes through the most common site of infection , in men.

A 2015 review that examined 21 studies on the relative effectiveness of using different types of samples to detect chlamydia and gonorrhea found that:

  • For chlamydia testing in women, the sensitivity and specificity were 87% and 99%, respectively, for urine samples compared to cervical samples.
  • For chlamydia testing in men, the sensitivity and specificity were 88% and 99%. respectively, for urine samples compared to urethral samples.
  • For gonorrhea testing in women, the sensitivity and specificity were 79% and 99%, respectively, for urine samples compared to cervical samples.
  • For gonorrhea testing in men, the sensitivity and specificity were 92% and 99%, respectively, for urine samples compared to urethral samples.

By and large, these results are relatively consistent across studies. Interestingly, self-collected vaginal swabs were closer in effectiveness to cervical swabs than urine testing. For some women, those may be a more acceptable alternative to a pelvic exam if urine testing isn’t available.

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How Is Chlamydia Spread How Accurate Are Chlamydia Urine Tests

You can get chlamydia by having genital, anal, or foreplay with someone who has chlamydia.

If your sex partner is male you can still get chlamydia even if he does not climax.

If you have actually had chlamydia as well as were treated in the past, you can still obtain contaminated once more. This can happen if you have vulnerable sex with somebody who has chlamydia.

If you are expectant, you can provide chlamydia to your baby during giving birth.

How Do You Test For Gonorrhea And Chlamydia

Chlamydia & Gonorrhoea Home Testing Guide

HealthLabs.com uses the FDA-approved / cleared nucleic acid amplification test . This test is recommended as the most accurate test for detecting both chlamydia and gonorrhea infections. Chlamydia trachomatis is the bacterium that causes chlamydia. Our NAAT chlamydia test looks for the presence of the bacteria in your urine. If it is found, this means that you have an active chlamydia infection. Neisseria gonorrhoeae is the bacterium that causes gonorrhea. Our NAAT gonorrhea test can detect the presence of this bacteria in your urine. If the bacteria is found, you have an active gonorrhea infection.

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Purpose Of Urine Testing For Stds

It used to be that STD testing, particularly for bacterial STDs, was very uncomfortable.

Men who thought they might have a bacterial STD like chlamydia or gonorrhea got tested by having a swab inserted into their urethra. Women had to undergo a pelvic exam, during which a cervical swab would be taken and tested for bacteria.

The fact that STD testing was uncomfortable and invasive made it less likely that people would undergo regular STD screening.

That probably contributed to what is sometimes known as the hidden epidemic of asymptomatic STDs. Because many STDs have no symptoms, the only way to detect them is through testing. When people arenât tested regularly, they can spread STDs to their partners without even knowing it.

Urine testing makes it easier for people to undergo STD testing as part of their regular medical care. Note, however, that STD testing is still not a standard part of most annual exams.

Do Regular Sti Tests Include Herpes

No. If you dont have symptoms, STI testing includes gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV and syphilis, and only involves time with a medical assistant. The Centers for Disease Control does not recommend herpes testing for people without symptoms.

If you think youve been exposed to herpes, but you arent showing symptoms, make sure to tell your health care provider prior to getting tested. At Planned Parenthood, herpes testing requires a visit with the nurse practitioner.

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What Can A Urine Test Reveal

A urinalysis is a simple test that looks at a small sample of your urine. It can help find problems that need treatment, including infections or kidney problems. It can also help find serious diseases in the early stages, like kidney disease, diabetes, or liver disease. A urinalysis is also called a âurine test.â

What Do The Results Mean

Chlamydia Symptoms, Pictures, Treatment

A positive result means you have been infected with chlamydia. The infection requires treatment with antibiotics. Your health care provider will give you instructions on how to take your medicine. Be sure to take all the required doses. In addition, let your sexual partner know you tested positive for chlamydia, so he or she can be tested and treated promptly.

Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results.

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Urine Testing For Sexually Transmitted Infections

Several sexually transmitted infections can be detected using urine testing, which is becoming more and more available. Urine chlamydia tests and gonorrhea tests are a lot more pleasant than having to have your cervix or urethra swabbed and are quickly becoming standard practice.

It may be more difficult to find urine testing for other STIs, such as trichomoniasis or human papillomavirus , however. This article will discuss urine testing for STIs.

Did You Know It Gets In Your Mouth Oh And Your Butt Too

Thats right guys , were talking about those pesky sexually transmitted infections, gonorrhea and chlamydia. And you read that rightit can end up in your mouth and your butt.

So listen up to learn about the only way to test for these two serious infections, because your previous provider may not have done it correctly.

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Nucleic Acid Amplification Test

NAAT tests find out the genetic material of Chlamydia bacteria. A positive test implies that the problem exists. A false-positive test is a false alarm that only appears to detect a disease or condition when infact the disease is not present.

A Polymerase Chain Reaction test is a type of Nucleic Acid Amplification test. It is conducted on a urine sample. The NAA test is a molecular test that detects the genetic material of Chlamydia Trachomatis. It is the most accurate and specific test than those others available for detecting Chlamydia. It can be performed on a vaginal swab on women, or urine from both men and women. Women need not go through any pelvic exam for a NAA test.

Can A Urine Test Detect Stds

How to use chlamydia rapid test kit / STDrapidtestkits.com

Urine tests can detect a variety of STDs and urine tests are becoming more easily available to those who need to get tested for sexually transmitted diseases.

Urine tests are may be used to test for the presence of chlamydia and gonorrhea and are much less invasive than receiving a swab sample collection. This is good news for those who are putting off getting tested due to the thought that they may need to get a swab sample collected or get their blood drawn.

It is so important to regularly get screened for sexually transmitted diseases due to the fact that the majority of STDs do not have any symptoms so it is easy to pass them onto your loved ones.

Taking a urine test makes it easier for those who want to screen for sexually transmitted diseases, whats more, it is possible to get tested from the comfort of home.

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