Chlamydia trachomatis nucleic acid hybridization test

This test checks for gene sequences in bacterial DNA. It is used to help diagnose infections caused by the Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria.

Laboratory tests may be done for many reasons. Tests are performed for routine health screenings or if a disease or toxicity is suspected. Lab tests may be used to determine if a medical condition is improving or worsening. Lab tests may also be used to measure the success or failure of a medication or treatment plan. Lab tests may be ordered for professional or legal reasons. You may need this test if you have:

• Chlamydia trachomatis infection

Cervical cells/tissue:

Written consent may be required for a Pap smear or colposcopy with cervical biopsy. Review the consent form with the healthcare worker and ask any questions that you have before signing the consent form.

Tell the healthcare worker if you have a medical condition or are using a medication or supplement that causes excessive bleeding. If possible, schedule the procedure one week after your menstrual period, because this is when the cervix is the least prone to bleeding. Do not douche or have sexual intercourse for 24 hours before the procedure.

You may be asked to urinate prior to your Pap smear or biopsy procedure. This will make it easier for the healthcare worker to see your cervix during the procedure, and may make the procedure more comfortable for you.

Urethral cells/discharge:

Before collection of urethral cells and/or urethral discharge for this test, you should not urinate during the hour prior to the test. This is because urine may minimize or clear your urethra (the tube that drains urine) of any organisms (germs), thus affecting the results of this test.

Urinate an hour or more before a sample is collected..

An endocervical or urethral sample may be collected for this test.

Cervical cells/tissue:

For both a Pap smear and colposcopy with cervical biopsy, you will be asked to lie on your back with your legs spread and feet placed in stirrups. A speculum will be inserted into your vagina. This tool is used to gently spread apart your vagina. For a Pap smear, a small brush is used to collect surface cells off the cervix. The sample off the brush is then sent for testing.

If a colposcopy is done, a special magnifying instrument called a colposcope is used to inspect your cervix. After the cervix is cleaned, a small piece of tissue will be removed. Tissue samples may be collected from different areas of the cervix. After the biopsy, a solution may be applied to help stop bleeding. Less commonly, stitches or a special heating tool may be used to stop bleeding. A tampon may be placed to help prevent further bleeding.

Urethral cells/discharge:

A urethral culture procedure is used to collect cells samples and/or urethral discharge. This test is usually done on males only. For this procedure, you will be asked to lie on your back. The tip of the penis will be cleaned. A special thin swab will be inserted into the urethra. The swab will gently be twisted side to side and then remain still for a few seconds before it is removed. This is to allow the swab to absorb enough fluid to be cultured. It may be possible to get a sample by “milking” the urethra for discharge. Ask the healthcare worker if this is an appropriate option.

The amount of discomfort you feel will depend on many factors, including your sensitivity to pain. Communicate how you are feeling with the person doing the test. Inform the person doing the test if you feel that you cannot continue with the test.

Cervical cells/tissue:

You may feel mild discomfort, cramping or pain during a Pap smear. During and after a colposcopy, you may feel discomfort, cramping, or pain. Generally, a colposcopy may be more uncomfortable than a pap smear.

Urethral cells/discharge:

A urethral culture generally takes less than a minute. However, you may feel discomfort when the swab moves in the urethra.

Cervical cells/tissue:

After a Pap smear, you may experience some light spotting (mild, occasional bleeding from the vagina). Generally, there are no activity restrictions after a Pap smear.

After a colposcopy, avoid heavy exercise for 24 hours. Some light bleeding or spotting is normal, but report heavy bleeding to your healthcare worker. It is normal after this procedure to have a gray-green, foul-smelling vaginal discharge for a few days. Contact your healthcare worker if this continues beyond three weeks.

After a colposcopy, avoid vaginal sex, douching, and tampon use for at least one week. Follow the instructions given by your healthcare worker. If a tampon was placed during the procedure, your healthcare worker will tell you when it may be removed, which is usually after 8 to 24 hours.

Urethral cells/discharge:

After a sample has been collected, avoid all sexual activities until you receive your results and speak to your healthcare worker.

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.