Molecular Test Detection

Test : Chlamydia trachomatis DNA probe


Indications : A DNA test for Chlamydia is done for the following reasons -

• To find out if the symptoms of sexually transmitted infection (STI) are caused by Chlamydia
• Find out the high risk group, especially women who are sexually active younger women and those who have risky sexual habits
• Pregnant women with risky sexual behaviors
• Women with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• In new borns of infected mothers

A Chlamydia DNA test is done with the following samples -

• Urine sample-Do not urinate for at least two hours before the test
• Direct sample is mostly body fluid from an infected part-- usually cervix, vagina, urethra or rectum.

24 hrs prior to the test a woman should not douche or apply vaginal creams. For sample collection, they will have to lie on an exam table with their feet raised or supported by stirrups. The doctor inserts a speculum and collects a sample from the cervix or inside of the vagina by inserting a swab.

For men a sample from urethra or rectum is removed by inserting a swab.

The direct sample collection can create some discomfort. An eye sample collection is done with brush and is usually painless.

The sample is subjected to Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), a method that amplifies that the available genetic sample; probes are used to detect the presence of Chlamydia DNA.

Physiology : Infection caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis is one of the most common sexually- transmitted diseases. Symptoms include bleeding or discharge, burning sensation or itching around genital region. The DNA testing methods are far more reliable than the traditional culture method and the chances of false positives are greatly reduced.

The DNA test is usually done with a sample of urine or body fluid.

Normal Range : detection of C. trachomatis Dna provides diagnostic and advantagous over traditional culture method.

Interpretation :

Normal
No Chlamydia antibodies or antigens can be detected from in sample

Abnormal
Chlamydia DNA can be detected in the sample indicating the role of Chlamydia bacteria in causing STD symptoms.

Sample : Negative for C. trachomatis DNA

Test Method : Detects nucleic acid of C. trachomatis

Related Tests : Swab collected from genitourinary site of male or female

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