Chlamydia Test

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control, it is perhaps the most common sexually transmitted infection among youngsters. Their estimates show that 1 in 20 sexually active young women aged 14-24 years has Chlamydia.

In India, about a million cases of Chlamydia are reported every year. In men, 20% to 30% of individuals infected with STDs have Chlamydia infection.

If left untreated, it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease and fertility problems. If you are worried about having Chlamydia infection, it is best to get yourself tested.

What is a Chlamydia test?

Chlamydia is an STI or sexually transmitted infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. It can cause pain during urination and sexual intercourse and vaginal discharge in women. In men, it can cause penile discharge and testicular pain. If the infection is suspected, a Chlamydia test is recommended by physicians to detect the bacteria. Samples of blood, urine or vaginal or penile secretions are collected and tested for the pathogen. In some cases, a fluid swab may be collected from the rectum, anus, throat, urethra, or eye (depending on where the infection is suspected).

Usually, a Chlamydia Trachomatis Antibody IgM test is used in cases of Chlamydia infection. It is a serological test for detecting antibodies produced in the body upon infection with Chlamydia trachomatis.

What are the other names for Chlamydia test?

The specific method used for the test is also known as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). This is the most common test for detecting anti-Chlamydia trachomatis antibodies. The tests can detect IgG, IgM, or IgA antibodies.

Cell culture and nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) are also used to detect the pathogen.

What test parameters are included in a Chlamydia test?

The serological test requires a blood sample.

For NAAT, the following samples can be used:

• Urine sample

• Vaginal or penile secretion

• A fluid swab from the anus, rectum, urethra, eye, or throat (depending on where the infection might be)

What does a Chlamydia test measure?

A serological Chlamydia test measures IgG, IgM, or IgA antibodies against the pathogenic bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. This is the most common test used for Chlamydia detection.

NAAT involves the detection of nucleic acid sequences specific to the pathogen.

What’s the normal range in a Chlamydia test?

Chlamydia testing involves screening for specific antibodies produced in response to the bacteria.

The ranges for a Chlamydia test are as follows:

If the IgG endpoint titer is less than 1:64, it suggests the absence of an active infection. Titers greater than 1:64 suggest current infection.

An IgM endpoint titer lesser than 1:10 suggests the absence of infection. A titer greater than this value indicates active infection.

Who should get a Chlamydia test?

If you meet one or more of the following criteria, you should get a test for Chlamydia:

• Sexually active women aged 25 years or younger (the rate of Chlamydia infection is highest in this age group)

• Pregnant women (must be tested during the first prenatal exam; if at high risk, get tested again later in the pregnancy)

• Women and men at high risk

• Individuals who engage in unprotected sex, especially individuals with multiple sexual partners

• Those with a current STI

• Those with possible exposure to an STI through an infected partner

What is the cost of a chlamydia test?

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What are the preparations needed for a Chlamydia test?

The preparations depend on the type of sample you are providing. Usually, your physician or healthcare provider may ask you to:

• Avoid antibiotic medicines for 24 hours

• Avoid vaginal douches or creams for 24 hours

What is the type of sample required?

For a Chlamydia serological test, a blood sample is needed. For NAAT, samples of blood or urine, vaginal or penile secretions, and fluid swabs from the anus, rectum, urethra, eye, or throat may be used.

Who performs a Chlamydia blood test?

A blood sample is collected for serological testing for Chlamydia. A phlebotomist collects blood samples. At Orange Health, we have trained and efficient technicians who can collect blood samples for tests from the comfort of your home. 

What should I expect during a Chlamydia blood test?

Blood sample collection usually involves the following steps: 

• After the vein is located, they will disinfect the area with an alcohol wipe.

• For collection, a small needle will be inserted into the vein. This may induce a pricking sensation.

• Blood will be collected in a small sterile tube.

• After collection, the phlebotomist will provide a cotton swab that you should place on the site of the prick to stop bleeding.

The procedure should take no more than 5 minutes.

What should I expect after my Chlamydia test?

After the healthcare provider collects the sample, it will be dispatched to a lab for testing. Results usually take 4-5 days to obtain. Once the results are available, your healthcare provider will share the same with you.

What are the risks of a Chlamydia test?

Currently, there are no known risks of a Chlamydia test.

When can I expect my Chlamydia test results?

At Orange Health, reports can be received within 4-5 days after the collection of the blood sample. The Chlamydia test yields either a positive or negative result.

What do the results of a Chlamydia test mean?

Chlamydia is an STI caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. A chlamydia test is done to screen for specific IgA, IgM, and IgG antibodies produced in response to bacterial infection. A Chlamydia test yields either positive or negative results for IgG, IgM, and IgA antibodies. If the results of the test are positive, it implies that you have an active Chlamydia infection.

For the right recommendations and diagnosis, you must consult a physician after receiving the results.

What are normal Chlamydia test results?

In a serological test for Chlamydia, you will receive results that show the titer value of IgA, IgM, or IgG antibodies in your blood sample. These are produced in the body in response to bacterial infection. In a normal result of a Chlamydia test, the antibody titer will be lesser than a specified value (mentioned in the table above). This indicates the absence of active Chlamydia infection. For an accurate diagnosis, you must consult a physician.

What other tests might I have along with this test?

Besides the serological test for Chlamydia, urine samples or swabs may be collected to detect Chlamydia trachomatis cells.

How to book a Chlamydia test at home?

• Go to orangehealth.in

• Click on “book a test now”.

• Women and men at high risk

• You will be directed to a page that requires you to fill in your details, including the test type, required references, and the time slot you want.

• Your eMedic will reach you within 60 minutes or the time of your choice

For more details click on Orangehealth.in.