Chlamydia(Urine Test - Laboratory)

    Chlamydia Test

Chlamydia is caused by a bacterial infection and is the most common sexually transmitted disease affecting about 1 in 20 people between 15 and 50. This test will look for the presence of the bacteria chlamydia trachomatis in your urine. It is important to test for chlamydia as the disease doesn't always produce symptoms but left untreated can cause infertility and ectopic pregnancy. Chlamydia is easily treated with a course of antibiotics.

This test is simple to carry out - all that is required is a urine sample which is then sent for laboratory testing. The results will then be sent to you in a plain envelope within 7-10 days. For more information on this test please read below.

Why do I need this test?

Chlamydia is passed on during unprotected sexual intercourse so if you have had unprotected sex you are at risk of being infected. Not everyone with chlamydia will have symptoms but left untreated chlamydia can cause serious problems in later life. Problems that chlamydia can cause include the following:

* Pelvic inflammatory disease
* Ectopic pregnancy.
* Inflammation of the testicles.

What does the test involve?

This test is simple a urine specimen is all that is required. We recommend that you take your urine specimen first thing in the morning and post as soon as possible after collection. As the hospital only works Monday to Friday we recommend you post the urine specimen Saturday to Wednesday to minimise any delay in processing your sample.

What is included in the test?

* A sealed plastic bag containing a plastic screw top container at the bottom of the container there is an absorbent material in case of leakage.
* A urine sample bottle- this can be found inside the plastic screw top container.
* A prepaid envelope addressed to Gordon Laboratory PO Box 378 Stockton On Tees. TS21 1BR
* Instructions.
* Customer Information Form this must be returned with your urine sample.

How to carry out the chlamydia test:

Please make sure you read all these instructions carefully before carrying out the test and follow them exactly. To provide you with a fast service your results will be sent to you directly from the laboratory. When collecting your urine sample wait until at least two hours have passed since you last passed urine. It is usually easier to collect urine first thing in the morning when your urine is at its most concentrated. This urine is called "early morning first-catch urine" this means when you go to the toilet first thing in the morning you take a sample from the first few drops of urine.

1. Unscrew the plastic container and remove the urine sample bottle.
2. Carefully unscrew the lid from the urine sample bottle. Start to urinate into the bottle ensuring you catch the first drops of urine which you pass. Continue until the bottle is full to the line on the sample bottle marked 20ml. Once you have collected the specimen continue to urinate into the toilet.
3. Screw the lid back on to the urine bottle tightly to avoid leakage during transport.
4. If there is any urine on the outside of the bottle wipe off with a tissue.
5. On the bottle there is a label in the spaces provided write in your name date and time of collection. Make sure the reference number is still on the bottle.
6. Turn the bottle upside down so that the white lid is facing downwards and place into the outer plastic container. Screw the lid back on to the outer plastic container firmly.
7. Place the plastic container back into the plastic bag and press the edges together to seal.
8. Fill in the customer information form making sure you enter all details clearly.
9. Once the form is completed place it in the prepaid envelope along with the plastic bag containing the plastic container and urine sample.
10. Remove the adhesive strip from the envelope and press down firmly to seal.
11. The envelope is now ready to be posted. Post it as soon as you can (the postage is pre-paid).

Results

The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test that your sample will be tested with is one of the most accurate tests available at present. To ensure you receive maximum confidentiality your report will be sent to you through the post. Your results will not be given over the telephone. There are 4 possible results that you could get:

PCR NEGATIVE : This means that the bacteria chlamydia trachomatis was not detected in the urine sample you provided. However it is important to remember that no matter how good a test on rare occasions you can get a negative result when you do in fact have the infection. If you remain concerned we recommend that you attend your local GUM (Genito-Urinary Medicine) clinic or consult your doctor. If you have a repeat test done it may give a different result depending on what specimen and test methods are used.

PCR POSITIVE : This means that you almost certainly have Chlamydia infection and you will need to start treatment with a course of antibiotics as soon as you can. There is the possibility that you could have a positive result when you do not have the infection but this is very rare with the test methods used. If you receive a positive result we recommend that you attend your local GUM (Genito-Urinary Medicine) clinic or your doctor. A GUM clinic will provide you with free confidential advice and treatment. Most of the clinics have health advisers who regularly experience a wide range of problems and can spend more time with you than a doctor. You can find details of your nearest clinic in the telephone directory or via your local hospital. When phoning up to make an appointment make sure you state if you would prefer to see a male or a female doctor. When you attend your appointment ensure you take your result letter with you. If you have a repeat test done it may give a different result depending on what specimen and test methods are used. If you are treated for chlamydia you must make sure that you finish the course of treatment and ensure that your partner(s) is also treated to avoid getting infected again. During treatment you should avoid sexual intercourse to avoid re-infection.

PCR EQUIVOCAL : This occurs when the laboratory cannot provide a definite result. This can be because other substances in the sample for example blood in the urine or certain medications are affecting the result. In these cases the safest course of action is to repeat the test on a fresh sample. In the event of a equivocal result a new test will be sent to you automatically. If you do not receive the new test within 7 days then please contact us. Remember it is always best to collect your urine sample first thing in the morning.

SAMPLE OUT OF PROTOCOL : This means that the sample was more than 4 days old when it arrived in the laboratory for testing.

REMEMBER : If the test is positive be sure to consult your doctor for antibiotics.