Testing for Chlamydia trachomatis.

Chlamydia trachomatis is a highly prevalent and damaging sexually transmitted disease. Since it may occur in an asymptomatic state, it is important for family physicians to know when screening or testing for this infection is indicated. The value of screening may be increased by correct collection, storage and transport of specimens. The techniques currently used in the laboratory to test specimens for chlamydia include cell culture, ELISA and immunofluorescent antibody (IFA) assay. Cell culture remains the 'gold standard'. The IFA and ELISA are simpler and quicker to perform than is culture and have sufficiently comparable measurements of accuracy.