Clinical Information

Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) is the major cause of genital chlamydial infections in men and women.  CT can cause nongonococcal urethritis, epididymitis, proctitis, cervicitis, acute salpingitis, and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).  CT infections are often asymptomatic in both males and females.  Children born to infected mothers are at significantly higher risk for inclusion conjunctivitis and chlamydial pneumonia.

Cervical specimens in ThinPrep Pap Test vials containing PreservCyt Solution, APTIMA vaginal swabs, APTIMA endocervical unisex swabs, and male and female urine specimens from symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals are approved for testing.  Other specimen types are not acceptable.

Improper collection of the specimen may results in invalid results.  If the lab receives a swab specimen transport tube with no swabs, two swabs, a cleaning swab, or a swab not supplied by Hologic the specimen must be rejected.

A negative test result does not preclude the presence of a CT infection because results are dependent on adequate specimen collection, absence of inhibitors, and sufficient rRNA to be detected.

If a specimen has small numbers of CT cellular material, uneven distribution may occur which may affect the ability to detect small numbers of organisms in the collected material.  If negative results from the specimen do not fit with the clinical impression, a new specimen may be necessary.

Results for CT will be reported as Positive, Negative (presumed negative for CT rRNA) or Equivocal.  For specimens giving an Equivocal (indeterminate) result, a new specimen should be collected.