McKesson Clinical Reference Systems: Women's Health Advisor 2002.2

What are gonorrhea and chlamydia tests?

These tests check for 2 types of sexually transmitted infection: gonorrhea and chlamydia.

Why are these tests done?

These tests are done to see if you have gonorrhea or chlamydial infection. These serious infections may not cause any symptoms at first. Later, if they are not treated, they can cause pain and serious health problems, such as arthritis and infertility.

How do I prepare for the test?

• Women do not need to do anything to prepare for this test.
• If you are a man and a sample is being taken from your penis, do not urinate for 3 to 4 hours before the test.

How is the test done?

Your health care provider uses a swab to collect secretions from the infected area, which may be the cervix, urethra, penis, anus, throat, or eye.

Samples collected with the swab are sent to the lab. The lab tries to grow gonorrhea and chlamydia organisms to see if they are in the samples. The lab runs special tests to check the type of bacteria that may be growing from the samples. This type of test is called a culture.

Faster but sometimes more expensive tests for chlamydia use antibody tests of swab samples. Results of these tests may be available in a couple days rather than the 3 or more days needed for cultures.

The newest antibody test is done with a urine sample rather than swabs. It can check for gonorrhea and chlamydia. It is not available at many clinics and hospitals and is the most expensive of these tests.

How will I get the test result?

Ask your health care provider when and how you will get the result of your test.

What do the test results mean?

A positive test result means that chlamydia or gonorrhea bacteria grew in the cultures and you have an infection. Sometimes you may have both types of infection. If you have a positive result, your health care provider will prescribe treatment with antibiotics. In addition, state laws often require that health care providers report the names of people who have these infections to the health department.

What if my test result is not normal?

Test results are only one part of a larger picture that takes into account your medical history and current health. Sometimes a test needs to be repeated to check the first result. Talk to your heath care provider about your result and ask questions.

If your test result is positive, ask your health care provider:

• if you need additional tests
• any questions you have about your treatment
• when you need to be tested again.

If you have a positive test result, you should tell your sexual partner. Follow your health care provider's advice about when it is safe to start having sex again. Use condoms every time you have sex to prevent another infection.

This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.