Vaginal microbicides can interfere with nucleic acid amplification tests used for the diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection.

We confirmed findings from previous studies that cellulose sulfate gel can interfere with nucleic acid amplification tests used for the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. We therefore recommend that the effects of microbicide gels on diagnostic assays of sexually transmitted infections be established before starting up clinical studies.