chlamydia trachomatis Test

The Chlamydia trachomatis causes a sexually transmitted disease known as chlamydia. The disease is a common STD that can be contracted during anal, oral or vaginal sex. It can also spread by using and sharing affected sex toys. The CDC estimates approximately 2.86 million are affected by the diseases annually.

There are other signs and symptoms of chlamydia but they don't usually show up. Symptoms generally occur within 2 to 21 days after being exposed to the STD so testing is very important.

There are different symptoms of the disease that are present in both men and women:

Men:

• Burning/itching sensation while urinating

• Pain or swelling on one or both the testicles

• Discharge from the penis

Women:

• Bleeding between two periods

• The sensation of pain during sexual intercourse

• Abdominal pain

• Vaginal discharge which can seem abnormal

• A feeling of burning during urinating

For both sexes, some of the symptoms of rectal infection including bleeding and rectal pain.

The chlamydia trachomatis STD is very common in younger people. It is prevalent mainly between 14-24 years and three times more amongst those aged between 25 to 39. Younger women are more at risk because their cervix is developing and more susceptible to bacteria.

When the disease travels to the upper genital tract, it can cause a lot of health problems which can be serious.

For those diagnosed with the disease, antibiotics play a role in treating and curing the disease. Abstaining from sexual activity for a week can help cure the disease. It is important that sexually active partners get themselves tested (and treated) for the disease.

Irrespective of whether the symptoms are present or not, screening or testing for the disease can be done as early as 24 hours after being exposed. Incubation times can vary from person-to-person and generally two weeks after the initial exposure, you can get accurate results.

Two weeks rest is advised after the treatment so that the bacteria can be cleared from the system.

NAA

There are three NAA tests primarily, swab, urine and DFA. As NAA tests will sift through the genetic material of the bacteria, a false-positive test occurring is unlikely. The general incubation period for the same is also 1 to 5 days so waiting for five days after the exposure can give accurate results.

Urine samples

• Urine samples are generally taken from the first-catch (Which is 20-30 mL of the initial stream)

• It is recommended that patients do not urinate at least an hour prior to going for the test

• Female patients should not clean the labial area before providing a specimen.

Swab:

There are different swabs that are taken for the Chlamydia trachomatis test, including:

• Rectal swab

• Male urethral swab

• Endocervical swab

• Vaginal Swab

• Pharyngeal swab (from the throat)

Direct Fluorescent Antibody (DFA)

• Rectal swab

• Male urethral swab

• Swab cultures

• Endocervical swab

• Neonates conjunctivital swab

Avoid getting tested for chlamydia by a blood test because when it is tested for any antibodies to the Chlamydia trachomatis, it will not show up. This is because chlamydia is not blood-borne or infectious, but antibodies are created to respond to different diseases in the body and it can be found in the blood.

The test cannot tell if a patient has it at the time but it can confirm if the disease was present in the past.

ELISA, antibodies, IgM:

• IgM antibodies are mainly found in the lymph fluid and blood and they are the first antibodies that stave off any new infection

• The sample's results cannot be used as a diagnostic procedure without getting the confirmation of diagnosis by another established procedure or product

EIA, antibodies, IgG

• IgG is another type of antibody found abundantly in the body fluids and they too, help protect against viral and bacterial infections

Cell culture and detection of Chlamydia by the FA test method:

• The Chlamydia test procedure typically allows the chlamydia bacteria to grow for a time period of 5 to 7 days than the other tests

• Although the culture is the legal standard, it is not the best standard

• Women are advised not to use vaginal medicines/creams for up to 24 hours before the test

The cell culture has many test options including:

• Cervical swab

• Rectal swab

• Conjunctiva swab

• Urethral swab

• Nasopharynx posterior or throat swab

At Portea, we have some of the best lab technicians and equipment which will help you undertake the Chlamydia trachomatis test with ease. All the results will be available within a few days of the test and clinically-approved methods are only followed by us.

Taking the test will ensure that you can confirm the presence of the disease and we can help you undergo the same in the comfort of your homes.