Gonorrhoea & Chlamydia Test

Chlamydia and gonorrhoea are sexually transmitted diseases. Gonorrhoea is caused by a bacterium called Neisseria Gonorrhoeae. Chlamydia is caused by bacteria called chlamydia trachomatis.

This test looks for the presence of the bacteria chlamydia trachomatis and neisseria gonorrhoeae in urine. It is important that you test for both these STD's as they don't always produce symptoms but left untreated both can cause infertility and ectopic pregnancy.

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. Remember: as with all the tests we recommend if you receive a positive result you should consult your doctor for advice.

This test is presently only available to UK customers this is because the urine sample needs to reach the lab within 4 days.

This test should not be carried out if you are pregnant or think you might be.

Why do I need this test?

This test looks for the presence of the bacteria chlamydia trachomatis and neisseria gonorrhoeae in urine. It is important that you test for both these STD's as they don't always produce symptoms but left untreated both can cause infertility and ectopic pregnancy. Both STD's are easily treated with a course of antibiotics so preventing any long term health problems. If either chlamydia or gonorrhoea infection is suspected you should avoid sexual intercourse until the test results have come back. If results indicate chlamydia or gonorrhoea infection then it's important not to have unprotected vaginal oral or anal sex until treatment is completed and the infection has cleared up. Your sexual partner should also be tested and treated to avoid reinfecting you or to avoid infecting others.

What does the test involve?

The test is simple and all that is required is a urine sample in the provided sample bottle. We recommend that you take your urine specimen first thing in the morning and post as soon as possible after collection.

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.

The sample bottle has a number on the side this is your reference number this number should also appear on your customer information form and all numbers should be exactly the same.

How to carry out the 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).


The laboratory is closed weekends and bank holidays so to minimize the chances of any delay in processing your sample we advise that you collect a urine sample in the morning Saturday to Wednesday and post it as soon as possible after collection. The urine sample should not be kept at room temperature for longer than is necessary so if there is any delay in posting your sample please place it in the fridge (not freezer). The sample must be processed within 4 days.

Interpretation of Results:

The PCR test that your urine 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. Results will read Chlamydia Trachomatis PCR and Neisseria Gonorrhoeae PCR there will be a result next to each infection this are 4 possible results these are as follows:

PCR NEGATIVE : This means that the bacteria chlamydia trachomatis or neisseria gonorrhoeae 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 or gonorrhoea 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 either STD then 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. In this instance we will send you a new test.