Health encyclopaedia

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Diagnosis of Chlamydia

Genital chlamydial infections are diagnosed by tests done on swab or urine samples.

• In women, the cervix is wiped with a cotton wool bud. To do this, the vagina is gentle held apart with an instrument called a speculum so that the cervix can be seen. It is similar to a smear test, and although it may be slightly embarrassing, it isn’t painful.
• In men, the cotton wool bud is wiped on the end of the urethra to obtain a sample of cells for testing.
• A urine sample can also be taken to test for chlamydia. However, this test is not available everywhere, and in women it is not as reliable as taking a sample from the cervix.
• New tests have now been developed that allow women to provide a urine or swab sample at home. The woman inserts a swab into the vagina herself, which is then put into a container and sent to the laboratory. These tests are more expensive than the older ones, and are not available at all clinics.

National Screening:

In recent years the number of chlamydia cases has increased dramatically. And this does not include the many people who have chlamydia who do not realise it. A pilot test run in Portsmouth and the Wirral in 1998 revealed just how common chlamydia is. In response to this, the Department of Health has begun implementing a national screening programme for chlamydia.

Ten screening programmes were launched in PCTs (Primary Care Trusts) in 2002, and  a further 16 programmes were added in January 2004. Chlamydia screening programmes now cover over 25% of PCTs in England. To find out which PCTs are currently involved, please see the National Chlamydia Screening Programme in selected links.

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