From the Guidelines
Gonorrhea and Chlamydia are the two Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) that require a urethral sample for diagnosis.
Urethral Sample Collection
- A urethral swab or smear can be used to collect a sample for diagnosis of gonorrhea and chlamydia 1.
- Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) are the recommended diagnostic tests for gonorrhea and chlamydia, and can be performed on urethral swab or urine samples 1.
- For gonorrhea, a urethral swab culture can be performed to assess the antimicrobial resistance profile of the infective strain 1.
Important Considerations
- The use of NAATs for diagnosis of gonorrhea and chlamydia has several advantages, including high sensitivity and specificity, and the ability to use urine samples, which can reduce the need for invasive urethral swabbing 1.
- However, the use of NAATs also has some limitations, including the potential for false-positive results, and the need for confirmatory testing in some cases 1.
- The collection of urethral samples should be performed in accordance with established guidelines and protocols, and should take into account the patient's symptoms, medical history, and other relevant factors 1.
From the Research
Sexually Transmitted Diseases Requiring a Urethral Sample
The following STDs require a urethral sample for diagnosis:
- Chlamydia trachomatis 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae 2, 3, 5
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) 3
- Herpes simplex virus infection 3
- Candidiasis 3
- Trichomoniasis 3
Alternative Specimens for STD Diagnosis
In some cases, alternative specimens can be used for STD diagnosis, including:
- Urine samples for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae detection 2, 4, 5
- Seminal fluid for Chlamydia trachomatis detection 6
- Expressed prostatic secretion for Chlamydia trachomatis detection 6
Urethral Sample Collection Methods
Urethral samples can be collected using various methods, including: