BACKGROUND AND GOAL: Late pregnancy rescreening is advised for at-risk patients, but data supporting this recommendation are lacking. The intent of this study was to determine the value of a late-pregnancy test for gonorrhea after a negative initial test at the beginning of prenatal care. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective chart review of clinic records over a 29-month period identified patients with a positive DNA direct assay for gonorrhea either initially or at 34 weeks. RESULTS: Of 751 women, 38 (5.1%) had gonorrhea diagnosed at their first testing; 19 women (2.5%) were positive only at their second screening. For one patient, both tests were positive. CONCLUSION: Repeating screening for gonorrhea at 34 weeks in a high-prevalence population is warranted.
BACKGROUND AND GOAL: Late pregnancy rescreening is advised for at-risk patients, but data supporting this recommendation are lacking. The intent of this study was to determine the value of a late-pregnancy test for gonorrhea after a negative initial test at the beginning of prenatal care. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective chart review of clinic records over a 29-month period identified patients with a positive DNA direct assay for gonorrhea either initially or at 34 weeks. RESULTS: Of 751 women, 38 (5.1%) had gonorrhea diagnosed at their first testing; 19 women (2.5%) were positive only at their second screening. For one patient, both tests were positive. CONCLUSION: Repeating screening for gonorrhea at 34 weeks in a high-prevalence population is warranted.
Authors: Tonia C Carter; Richard S Olney; Allen A Mitchell; Paul A Romitti; Erin M Bell; Charlotte M Druschel Journal: Birth Defects Res A Clin Mol Teratol Date: 2010-12-07