New Fast And Accurate Chlamydia Test
December 3rd 2007
A new chlamydia test provides same-day results and would be suitable for population screening, say experts at Cambridge University, UK. Writing in the British Medical Journal on-line, Dr Helen Lee and her team explain that chlamydia trachomatis infection is the most prevalent sexually transmitted bacterial infection worldwide. If left untreated, it can result in pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, or infertility.
The team evaluated the Chlamydia Rapid Test, developed at the university. It uses self-collected vaginal swab specimens to diagnose chlamydia in "resource limited settings".
A total of 1,349 women aged between 16 and 54 years were tested at UK sexual health centres and genitourinary clinics.
The new rapid test was compared with two currently-used tests which are reliable but use expensive equipment, need specially trained staff, and take up to two weeks to produce results.
The effectiveness of the new test rated well against the older tests. It was also much faster, providing results within half an hour, and this allowed all positive women to be offered treatment while still at the clinic, the researchers said.
Almost all (96 per cent) of the women taking part felt comfortable about collecting their own swab specimens, say the team.
They conclude: "The performance of the Chlamydia Rapid Test with self-collected vaginal swabs indicates that it would be an effective same day diagnostic and screening tool for chlamydia infection in women."
Because of its speed, the new test could "potentially reduce the risks of persistent infection and onward transmission", they write, adding that it would also be valuable in developing countries, especially those with high risk populations such as female sex workers.
Mahilum-Tapay, L. et al. New point of care Chlamydia Rapid Test - bridging the gap between diagnosis and treatment: performance evaluation study. British Medical Journal, published online November 30, 2007.
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