Gonodecten--new 3-minute in vitro diagnostic test for gonorrhea in the male without use of conventional culture or gram stain.

A method for a rapid (within three minutes) detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in a urethral exudate from male patients without the use of a Gram stain or culture, was evaluated in 201 patients. Analyses of the data obtained from the study indicate no difference with respect to sensitivity and specificity compared to the Gram stain. The use of the Gonodecten test kit as a differential diagnostic tool would decrease materially the time necessary to determine if a urethritis is gonococcal or nongonococcal while the patient is still in the office. The ability to diagnose rapidly gonococcal urethritis at the time of the patient's examination should contribute substantially to improved disease control, especially in the private sector. The Gonodecten test kit provides a diagnostic tool for the clinician who does not have a laboratory or qualified personnel to carry out the necessary tests for making a presumptive diagnosis of gonorrhea.