N. gonorrhoeae / C. trachomatis Amplification (LAB4887)

Chlamydia trachomatis is a common sexually transmitted infection. Molecular testing, also referred to as nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT), offers significant improvements in turnaround time, sensitivity, and specificity over culture-based diagnosis.

Proper collection is pivotal to providing actionable diagnostic information. However, the numerous sample collection protocols and specimen types often cause confusion among clinical providers. The BJC system uses the GeneXpert system due to it rapid turnaround and the capability to concurrently detect Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Note: Appropriate specimen collection kits include the Xpert Swab Collection Kit or Xpert Urine Collection Kit.

• While urine is an easy source to collect, it is not as sensitive as vaginal swabs in females.
• Ocular specimens should be collected using the APTIMA Collection Unisex swab for nucleic acid amplification testing at Mayo Clinic Laboratories, as they have validated molecular detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae from ocular specimens using the APTIMA Transcription Mediated Amplification system.

• Molecular testing, or NAAT, has become the standard for detecting Chlamydia trachomatis due to its superior sensitivity and specificity compared to culture.
• Proper specimen collection and utilization of the appropriate testing system are key to achieving accurate results.

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recommendations for the laboratory-based detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae–2014. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2014;63(RR-02):1-19.