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Gonorrhoea & Chlamydia Test Instructions

Why do I need this test?

This test looks for the presence of the bacteria chlamydia trachomatis and neisseria gonorrhoeae in urine. It is important that you test for both these STD’s as they don't always produce symptoms but left untreated both can cause infertility and ectopic pregnancy. Both STD’s are easily treated with a course of antibiotics so preventing any long term health problems. If either chlamydia or gonorrhoea infection is suspected, you should avoid sexual intercourse until the test results have come back. If results indicate chlamydia or gonorrhoea infection then it's important not to have unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex until treatment is completed and the infection has cleared up. Your sexual partner should also be tested and treated to avoid reinfecting you or to avoid infecting others.

What does the test involve?

The test is simple and all that is required is a urine sample in the provided sample bottle. We recommend that you take your urine specimen first thing in the morning and post as soon as possible after collection.

CHECK THAT YOUR KIT CONTAINS:

Plastic pouch with snap top seal and two pockets
A plastic postal tube, lined with an absorbent material in case of leakage.
A urine sample bottle with a screw top
Client Information Form
Postage paid envelope addressed to the laboratory
Check that the test reference number on the sample bottle and client information form are the same, if not then do not proceed. Contact the supplier for a replacement test. The number is unique and has been allocated to you. Please keep a note the reference number used on the client information form in case you need to contact us.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE

Read carefully before proceeding.

Please take the time to read this information sheet telling you about Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea particularly regarding the advice as to what you should do when you receive your results.

A urine specimen is required to test for the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis and gonorrhoea infection .

The laboratory is closed on Sundays so to minimise the chances of any delay in processing your sample, we advise that you collect a urine sample in the morning, Monday to Wednesday and post it as soon as possible after collection.

Collecting the urine sample

Do not collect until at least two hours has elapsed since you last passed urine, it may be easier to collect it first thing in the morning.

Remove the screw top from the sample collection bottle. Start to urinate into the bottle, making sure that you catch the first drops of urine you pass. Continue until the bottle is full allowing about an inch off the top (there is a line at the 20ml level), then finish urinating into the toilet.
Screw the top back onto the container tightly to avoid leakage during transport.
Write your name, date and time of collection of the sample on the bottle label in the space provided.
Complete the client information form, providing any missing information, especially the date of collection of the sample.
Place the bottle back in the plastic tube . Insert the absorbent material and firmly close by pressing the holder together.
Place the plastic tuber into one side of the plastic pouch and place the client information form in the other, press the edges of the plastic together to seal.
Place the plastic pouch inside the postal envelope and seal by peeling of the dividing plastic strip and press the edges on the adhesive to seal.
This envelope is pre-addressed and pre-paid. Post it as soon as you can.

The urine sample must not be kept at room temperature for longer than necessary - if there is any delay in posting, please place it in the fridge (not freezer). The sample must be processed within 4 days.

LIMITATIONS/CROSS REACTIONS

The presence of high levels of red blood cells in the urine sample may interfere with the analysis producing false positives, do not submit samples if you are experiencing your menstrual period.
The lubricants like Replens® have been shown to inhibit the analysis and may result in false negative results. Wash and remove all possible traces of such lubricants prior to sample collection.
Do not urinate for two hours before collecting your test sample.
It is recommended that the best urine sample for analysis is one called "early morning first-catch urine", which means when you go to the toilet first thing in the morning you take a sample from the first few drops of urine. This sample ensures the best possible outcome from laboratory analysis.
PCR testing is not intended to replace cervical exam and endo-cervical sampling for the diagnosis of urogential infections. Conditions such as cervicitis, urethiritis and urinary tract or vaginal infections due to other causes or concurrent infections with other agents.

HOW DO I RECEIVE MY RESULTS?

In order to receive your results promptly, please ensure that your name and address is clearly written on the client information form. A hard copy of the result will be sent to your home address.
You will not be given your results by telephone.
If you require any further information please contact your GP (General Practitioner) or Pharmacist, who will be more able to assist you in more detail.
This advice is in no way meant to replace qualified medical advice.

INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS

Your urine sample will be tested using the Polymer Chain Reaction (PCR), one of the most accurate tests available at present. To ensure maximum confidentiality, your report will be sent to you through the post. Results cannot be given over the telephone.

There are 4 possible results:

PCR NEGATIVE: This means that the bacteria chlamydia trachomatis or neisseria gonorrhoeae was not detected in the urine sample you provided. However, it is important to remember that no matter how good a test on rare occasions you can get a negative result, when you do in fact have the infection. If you remain concerned, we recommend that you attend your local GUM (Genito-Urinary Medicine) clinic or consult your doctor. If you have a repeat test done, it may give a different result depending on what specimen and test methods are used.

PCR POSITIVE: This means that you almost certainly have chlamydia or gonorrhoea infection and you will need to start treatment with a course of antibiotics as soon as you can. There is the possibility that you could have a positive result when you do not have the infection, but this is very rare with the test methods used. If you receive a positive result we recommend that you attend your local GUM (Genito-Urinary Medicine) clinic or your doctor. A GUM clinic will provide you with free, confidential advice and treatment. Most of the clinics have health advisers who regularly experience a wide range of problems and can spend more time with you than a doctor. You can find details of your nearest clinic in the telephone directory or via your local hospital. When phoning up to make an appointment make sure you state if you would prefer to see a male or a female doctor. When you attend your appointment ensure you take your result letter with you. If you have a repeat test done, it may give a different result depending on what specimen and test methods are used. If you are treated for either STD then you must make sure that you finish the course of treatment and ensure that your partner(s) is also treated, to avoid getting infected again. During treatment you should avoid sexual intercourse to avoid re-infection.

PCR EQUIVOCAL: This occurs when the laboratory cannot provide a definite result. This can be because other substances in the sample, for example blood in the urine, or certain medications are affecting the result. In these cases the safest course of action is to repeat the test on a fresh sample. In the event of a equivocal result a new test will be sent to you automatically. If you do not receive the new test within 7 days then please contact us. Remember, it is always best to collect your urine sample first thing in the morning.

SAMPLE OUT OF PROTOCOL: This means that the sample was more than 4 days old when it arrived in the laboratory for testing. In this instance we will send you a new test.

REMEMBER: If either test is positive be sure to consult your doctor for antibiotics. If you have any queries regarding this test then please contact us, on 08700 349 606 or via email info@simplicityhealth.co.uk.