Authors' recommendations: Overall, the identified literature reported that urine-based testing is either comparable or less sensitive than swab-based testing for detection of gonorrhea and chlamydia in men and women, depending on the types of test and types of specimen collection being compared.A self-obtained vaginal swab NAAT strategy in the detection of chlamydia was found least expensive and most cost-effective compared with urine or endocervical tests. For screening of gonorrhea in women, there was no clear evidence regarding cost-effectiveness comparing urine-based testing and swab-based testing. Self-taken specimen such as vaginal swab and urine in women was reported to be the preferred method over clinician-collected approach. For screening and diagnosis of gonorrhea and chlamydia, the identified guidelines have made recommendations regarding the types of test and types of specimen collection according to specific populations. No study regarding the stability of swab-based versus urine-based specimen during transportation or storage could be found.

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.cadth.ca/media/pdf/L0124_Urine_Based_Testing_for_Gonorrhea_and_Chlamydia_final.pdf

Year Published: 2009

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Canada

Organisation Name: Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health

Contact Address: 600-865 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1S 5S8 Canada. Tel: +1 613 226 2553; Fax: +1 613 226 5392;

Contact Name: requests@cadth.ca

Contact Email: requests@cadth.ca

Copyright: Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH)