Authors' objectives: To assess the performance (sensitivity and specificity), and cost-effectiveness of Chlamydia Rapid Test (CRT) for detection of Chlamydia trachomatis infection.

Authors' recommendations: There was good level of evidence retrieved to support the effectiveness of CRT. However, the sensitivity was inconclusive due to contradictory findings found in the systematic review by Hislop J et al. and the recent study by Helm JJ et al. (2012). Hislop J et al. in his SR found that the CRT had high sensitivity (80%) whereas Helm et al. found that the sensitivity was low (39.4%). However, both studies showed that the CRT had high specificity and high negative predictive value (NPV) which suggested that the CRT can be used as diagnostic tool for Chlamydia infection instead of screening. For better detection of Chlamydia infection using CRT; in women specimen from vaginal swab showed high specificity while in men high specificity was obtained from first void urine (FVU). Meanwhile, cost-effectiveness analysis from the systematic review showed that the current practice; polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was still the most accurate and cost-effective method for diagnosing chlamydia infection. However, when comparing two POCTs, it showed that CRT was more cost-effective than Clearview Chlamydia kit.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2012

URL for published report: http://www.moh.gov.my/index.php/database_stores/store_view_page/30/200

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Malaysia

Organisation Name: Malaysian Health Technology Assessment

Contact Address: Malaysian Health Technology Assessment Section, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Federal Government Administrative Centre, Level 4, Block E1, Parcel E, 62590 Putrajaya Malaysia Tel: +603 8883 1229

Contact Name: htamalaysia@moh.gov.my

Contact Email: htamalaysia@moh.gov.my

Copyright: Malaysian Health Technology Assessment (MaHTAS)