CHLAMYDIA TRACHOMATIS TEST

What are the other names for this test?

Chlamydia Nucleic Acid Amplification Test, Chlamydia/GC STD Panel, Chlamydia NAAT Test, Chlamydia Culture, Chlamydia test

What is a chlamydia trachomatis test?

The Chlamydia trachomatis test helps to see chlamydia in your fluid sample from your body. Chlamydia is one of the significant sexually transmitted infections (STIs) developed by the chlamydia trachomatis bacteria. Chlamydia is most common in the US and often spreads through vaginal, oral, and anal sex. If chlamydia is left untreated, it may result in health problems, such as infertility and inflammation in your pelvis.

Many tests are available to detect chlamydia, such as molecular testing known as Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) and cell culture. NAAT is the most common procedure for identifying a chlamydia infection. This test helps to diagnose the genetic material (DNA or RNA) of chlamydia trachomatis.

What is the purpose of this test?

A chlamydia trachomatis test screens and diagnoses the chlamydia through the samples, such as urine and fluid swabs from the vagina, throat, eyes, rectum, or cervix. Your provider collects your sample that depends on where the infection is present. This test may also perform after three months of treatment to observe for re-infection.

In women, chlamydia may indicate cervicitis, swelling, and inflammation in the cervix. The cervix is the part of the lower and narrow end of the uterus that creates a waterway between the uterus and the vagina. Infected women with chlamydia may also develop endometriosis. This condition leads to the production of cells similar to the lining of the uterus outside the uterus. Babies may have a lung or eye infection if mothers have an infection.

In men, chlamydia may lead to urethritis. It is a condition of urethra swelling and the rare chance of blood in the urine.

When do I need to take this test?

Most people infected with chlamydia do not have symptoms. Your healthcare provider depends on screening to identify most cases of chlamydia. Screening may perform based on your sexual activity and health.

According to the Centers for Disease and Control Prevention (CDC), this test specifically recommends for sexually active people aged 15 to 24 at least once a year. This test may also suggest to those who have:
 

• A new sex partner or having more than one.
• Sex partners who involve in sex with other persons
• Sex from an infected person with STD
• Diagnosed with HIV infection
• Sex with the same genders or sex with other people with a penis.
• Become pregnant under age 25 and above 25 with high risks of chlamydia infection.

Your healthcare provider may recommend a chlamydia trachomatis test if your sex partner experiences chlamydia. Some symptoms of chlamydia develop in women may include:
 

• Pain during sex
• Difficulty or pain while urinating
• Pain in the rectum
• Stomach pain
• Abnormal discharge or bleeding from the vagina

Symptoms of chlamydia in men may include:
 

• Difficulty or pain while urinating
• Discharge from your penis
• Swelling in the scrotum
• Pain in the rectum
• Pain in your testicles

Your provider will ask you to test for chlamydia after three months of treatment to see for a new infection. It is because repeat infections are often common in people. You can review your test result with an online meetup from your provider.

What is the procedure for this test?

Your provider will ask for a fluid sample from your infected body’s part for a chlamydia trachomatis test. Two ways are available to collect fluid sample are:
 

• A first-catch urine sample

A sterile cup requires you to collect urine from the first part of the urine stream. You may need to stop urinating before the test for at least two hours to receive accurate results.
 

• A swab sample

Your provider will collect cells from your genital area (the urethra or the vagina) with a special swab. You may feel some discomfort. Your rectum, throat, cervix, or eyes may swab. Your provider may ask you to swab yourself with specific instructions.

You may receive your test results within a day. Some chlamydia trachomatis tests may provide results within 90 minutes or less.
If you have symptoms of chlamydia, you may order an online test for chlamydia.

You can also order a swab or urine sample at home. You can send the sample to your laboratory after collecting the sample.
You should avoid testing at home if you see symptoms of chlamydia or your sex partner experiences chlamydia. You need to consult with a provider about taking a chlamydia test.
 
How do I need to prepare for this test?

You may need preparation for a chlamydia trachomatis test that depends on the sample type. You should avoid antibiotic medicines and vaginal creams for 24 hours before your test. You can ask your provider about the specific preparation required for this test.

Are there any risks involved in this test?

A chlamydia trachomatis test does not have any risk.
 
What do the test results indicate?

The test results depend on many factors, such as age, gender, and medical history. The test results may also slightly differ among laboratories. It is because each lab may use different methods for examination.

The negative results indicate that you have no chlamydia in your fluid sample. A positive test result means that you have an infection with chlamydia bacteria.

When you have a positive test result, your provider will give you antibiotics to cure your infection. You need to follow specific instructions provided by your doctor to ensure that you have no chlamydia.

What additional tests do I need along with this test?

Your healthcare provider may suggest taking other tests because chlamydia symptoms may confuse with other STI symptoms. These STIs are:
 

• Syphilis
• Hepatitis B
• HIV/AIDS
• Gonorrhea
• Trichomoniasis

What else do I need to know about a chlamydia trachomatis test?

This test may help eliminate health problems and resist the disease from spreading. You may avoid or prevent chlamydia or any STD by not doing oral, vaginal, or anal sex. You can eliminate your risk of chlamydia if:
 

• You are sexually active with only one partner and possess negative test results for STD
• You use condoms each time you do sex.