Presently, the diagnosis of chlamydia infection is preformed through nucleic acid amplification tests, such as the polymerase chain reaction, but these tests are expensive, technically complex and can take several days to get results.
Previously, the urine test, known as the Chlamydia Rapid Test, provided fast and accurate results in women. The current study involving more than 1200 men of ages 16 to 73, compared the test to the polymerase chain reaction test using urine samples.
The rapid test had a high level of sensitivity of 82.6% and specificity of 98.5% and provided results within an hour. The researchers reported that quick availability of results will help male patients to receive treatment while still at a clinic.
They also reported that this kind of test and treat approach could be useful in reducing the risks of persistent infection and chlamydia transmission.
In women, left untreated chlamydia infection can cause serious complications including pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility and ectopic pregnancy. According to recent research, untreated chlamydia infection in men can cause infertility.
