Conventional tissue culture compared with rapid immunofluorescence for identifying Chlamydia trachomatis in specimens from patients attending a genitourinary clinic.

Specimens collected from 182 patients with histories suggesting chlamydial disease were examined by conventional culture and direct immunofluorescence techniques. Chlamydia trachomatis was identified by both methods in 57% of all patients. There was no significant difference between the two methods in detecting C trachomatis. Where a tissue culture service is not already established, cost analysis in individual departments may justify the use of the immunofluorescence method.