Chlamydia Testing
What is Chlamydia?
Chlamydia is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the UK with the number of cases having risen by 300% in the last 12 years. Tiny bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis cause it, affecting both sexes, although women are more at risk as huge health complications can occur if left untreated. 1 in 10 women under the age of 25 may now have Chlamydia but anyone who is sexually active is at risk of infection.
What are the symptoms?Chlamydia very often has no symptoms and is called the ‘silent epidemic’, as it can frequently remain undiagnosed. If left untreated, Chlamydia can cause infertility in both men and women, however women have a higher risk of further health complications, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), damaged fallopian tubes and a higher chance of ectopic pregnancy.
How can it be treated?Chlamydia is easily treated by a 7 day course of antibiotics or a single one-off dose (which is just as effective as the 7 day course), however you have to be tested positive for Chlamydia in order to be given these antibiotics.
How can it be tested?
Gordon Laboratory Group (GLG) carries out testing for Chlamydia and currently turns over more than 100,000 Chlamydia samples each year. GLG has exclusive contracts to supply STI testing and assist clients in the private healthcare sector, as well as in the NHS where GLG are achieving targets in the National Chlamydia Screening Programme (NCSP).
Using the most highly specialised testing procedures in the industry today, GLG tests for Chlamydia trachomatis using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This testing procedure is a gold standard Nucleic Acid Amplification Technique (NAAT) Chlamydia test and is the most sensitive available. It is extremely accurate and very unlikely to have a false-positive test result.
GLG utilises the Roche Amplicore and Taqman systems, which are 96 % sensitive and 100% specific in C. trachomatis. This system also detects the Swedish variant strain of C. trachomatis.
How can I get a Chlamydia Test Kit?
Gordon Laboratory Group has established a joint programme with the pharmaceutical company Actavis and the National Pharmacy Association (NPA). Actavis has recently launched the innovative Chlamydia testing service Clamelle in participating pharmacies across the UK. This service gives people with asymptomatic Chlamydia and their partners a rapid and convenient alternative choice to access testing and treatment. Members of the public can purchase a Clamelle Chlamydia test kit from any participating pharmacy for £25, use the kit in the privacy of their own home and post a urine sample to GLG for testing. If tested positive, treatment can be obtained from the pharmacy for an additional price, without having to visit a doctor or GUM clinic. Partner notification slip(s) are provided for the patient to give/send to their partner(s) to encourage them to seek treatment, and they too can purchase Clamelle treatment from the pharmacy without the need to buy a test.
NHS Primary Care Trusts
Gordon Laboratory Group has also established a joint programme with the National Pharmacy Association so that up to 13,000 pharmacies will be able to hand out testing kits to those at-risk. These young people who regularly visit pharmacies can view the Chlamydia campaign material and discretely receive a testing kit, which is then posted to GLG. Results are securely transmitted to the pharmacy and communicated to the patient, usually by means of a text message. Patients testing positive can then receive prompt treatment for Chlamydia by the pharmacist under a Patient Group Directive.
Currently, Gordon Laboratory Group are receiving a successful 50-60% of Chlamydia tests back into the laboratory after participating pharmacies have handed them out to the patient. This percentage is the most successful conversion of all Chlamydia Screening initiatives.
Interested in using GLG for your Chlamydia Screening?
Gordon Laboratory Group conducts Chlamydia Screening for a number of other companies as well as Clamelle and the Primary Care Trusts. If you are interested in using our fast, accurate and effective service then please do not hesitate to contact the laboratory to speak to a member of the GLG team. We are happy to provide you with our highly competitive prices and any additional information.
Should you wish to use our service, Gordon Laboratory Group are proud to offer you a comprehensive range of Chlamydia Screening supplies, from urine sample containers, transport contains and pre-paid envelopes, which conform to the Royal Mail postage regulations.
