Microbiology Lab to Begin Molecular Testing

Within the next few months, the Microbiology Lab will be bringing molecular testing for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in-house. Each year, close to 4 million cases of Chlamydia and one million cases of gonorrhea occur in the United States. Co-infection of both organisms is not uncommon. Complications that can result from untreated infections can be serious and recent CDC recommendations call for expanded testing.
Until now, routine culture methods could take up to three days to isolate and identify Neisseria gonorrhea infections. Chlamydia trachomatis, which does not grow using conventional microbiology methods, is currently sent out to a reference lab and can take up to five days.

Molecular testing uses the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology which targets a specific gene sequence and makes millions of copies for early detection. Benefits of PCR:

• PCR is much more sensitive than routine cultures and will greatly reduce turnaround time.
• The test permits the use of urine specimens in addition to the traditional endocervical swabs for women and urethral swabs for men.
• The test is cost-effective by providing two results from one sample.

Look for further communication in the near future. In the meantime, please contact the Microbiology Lab at 770-793-5475 for more information.