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Screening and diagnostic testing are crucial for preventing the sequelae and ongoing transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Several tests are available; relevant terms and abbreviations are presented in the table.
Annual chlamydial screening in sexually active women younger than 26 is vital for preventing pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility associated with this often asymptomatic infection.1 Nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) is the most sensitive method for diagnosing chlamydia and gonorrhea. Vaginal swabs identify more chlamydial infections than cervical swabs or first-catch urine specimens, perhaps because swabbing the vagina collects material…
