From the Guidelines
A standard STD panel typically includes testing for Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Treponema pallidum (syphilis), Trichomonas vaginalis, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) 1.
Key Components of an STD Panel
- Bacterial infections: Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are typically tested using nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) 1.
- Viral infections: HIV testing is usually performed using a combination of antibody and antigen tests.
- Parasitic infections: Trichomonas vaginalis is often tested using a wet mount or culture.
Testing Methods
- NAATs are the preferred method for testing Chlamydia and gonorrhea due to their high sensitivity and specificity 1.
- Urine testing with NAATs is at least as sensitive as testing with endocervical specimens, clinician- or self-collected vaginal specimens, or urethral specimens that are self-collected in clinical settings 1.
Screening Intervals
- The frequency of screening depends on individual risk factors, such as new or persistent risk factors since the last negative test result 1.
- Patients with a history of STDs or those who are at high risk should be screened more frequently.
From the Research
STD Panel Test
An STD panel test is a comprehensive test that checks for various sexually transmitted diseases. The tests included in an STD panel may vary, but they typically cover the following diseases:
- Chlamydia trachomatis
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonorrhea)
- Treponema pallidum (syphilis)
- Trichomonas vaginalis
- Herpes simplex virus
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Tests Performed
According to the studies 2, 3, 4, 5, the following tests are commonly performed in public health laboratories and clinics:
- Nucleic acid amplification testing for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae
- Syphilis testing using Treponema pallidum
- Trichomonas vaginalis testing using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification
- Herpes simplex virus type-specific nucleic acid amplification testing
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) testing
Prevalence of STDs
The prevalence of STDs varies depending on the population and location. Studies 4, 5 have reported the following prevalence rates:
- Chlamydia trachomatis: 10.2% to 14%
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae: 1.6% to 11%
- Treponema pallidum (syphilis): not specified
- Trichomonas vaginalis: 0.4% to 8%
- Human papillomavirus (HPV): 36% to 39%