Using Urine Tests to Diagnose Chlamydia in Women
Author Information
Author(s): R. Pasternack, A. Mustila, P. Vuorinen, P.K. Heinonen, A. Miettinen
Primary Institution: Tampere University Hospital
Hypothesis
Can the Amplicor PCR with urine specimens improve the diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis in women compared to the PACE 2 assay with cervical swabs?
Conclusion
The use of PCR with urine specimens can increase the sensitivity of diagnosing chlamydial infections in women, but PCR inhibitors in urine can compromise results.
Supporting Evidence
- 29 women were found to be positive for C. trachomatis by either of the two assays.
- An 11% increase in sensitivity was achieved by using PCR with urine specimens.
- PCR inhibitors were detected in 14% of urine specimens, affecting test results.
Takeaway
Doctors can use urine tests to find a common infection called chlamydia in women, but sometimes the tests don't work well because of things in the urine that get in the way.
Methodology
Cervical and urine specimens from 286 women were tested for C. trachomatis using PACE 2 and Amplicor PCR assays.
Limitations
PCR inhibitors were present in 14% of urine specimens, which affected the sensitivity of the tests.
Participant Demographics
Mean age of participants was 24 years, with a range from 15 to 47 years.
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