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HelpTest ID: MCRNA Chlamydia trachomatis, Miscellaneous Sites, Nucleic Acid Amplification, Varies
Reporting Name
C. trach, Misc, Amplified RNAUseful For
Detecting Chlamydia trachomatis in non-US Food and Drug Administration-approved specimen types
This test is not intended for use in medico-legal applications.
This test is not useful for the detection of Chlamydia pneumoniae or other Chlamydia species.
Specimen Type
VariesOrdering Guidance
This test is used for specimens that are not US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for this assay. Acceptable non-FDA-approved specimen types are ocular swabs, nasopharyngeal swabs, and peritoneal fluid.
For FDA-approved specimen types, order CTRNA / Chlamydia trachomatis, Nucleic Acid Amplification, Varies.
Necessary Information
Specimen source is required.
Specimen Required
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Specimen Type: Ocular (corneal/conjunctiva)
Supplies:
Aptima Unisex Swab Collection Kit (T583), or
Aptima Multitest Swab Specimen Collection Kit (T584)
Container/Tube: Aptima Multitest Swab or Aptima Unisex Swab
Specimen Volume: Swab
Collection Instructions:
1. Swab site using Aptima Multitest Swab or Aptima Unisex Swab. Specimens must be collected using either of these Aptima swabs.
Note: The white swab provided within the collection kit is a cleaning swab and should not be used for collection. Discard the white cleaning swab.
2. Place collection swab in transport tube provided in collection kit. Snap off swab at score line so swab fits into closed tube.
3. Cap tube securely and label tube with patient's entire name and collection date and time.
4. Maintain swab container at 2 to 30° C (refrigerate temperature is preferred), transport within 60 days of collection.
Pediatric Specimen Type: Nasopharyngeal (only accepted for patients 6 months old or younger)
Supplies:
Nasopharyngeal Swab (nylon Mini-Tip swab) (T861) with Aptima Thin Prep Transport Tube (T652), or
Aptima Unisex Swab Collection Kit (T583)
Container/Tube: NP swab in Aptima Specimen Transfer Tube or Aptima Unisex Swab
Specimen Volume: Swab
Collection Instructions:
1. Swab site using NP Swab or Aptima Unisex Swab. Specimens must be collected using either one of these swabs.
Note: The white swab provided within the Aptima Unisex Swab Collection kit is a cleaning swab and should not be used during this collection process. This white swab should be discarded.
2. Place NP swab in Aptima Specimen Transfer Tube. If using the Aptima Unisex Swab collection kit, place the unisex swab in the Aptima Collection kit tube. Snap off swab at score line so swab fits into closed tube.
3. Cap tube securely and label tube with patient's entire name and collection date and time.
4. Maintain swab container at 2 to 30° C (refrigerate temperature is preferred), transport within 60 days.
Specimen Type: Peritoneal fluid (pelvic wash, cul-de-sac fluid)
Supplies: Aptima Thin Prep Transport Tube (T652)
Container/Tube: Aptima specimen transfer tube
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Transfer specimen into the Aptima specimen transfer tube within 24 hours of collection.
2. Cap tube securely and label tube with patient's entire name and collection date and time.
3. Maintain Aptima specimen transfer tube at 2 to 30° C (refrigerate temperature is preferred), transport within 30 days of collection.
Specimen Minimum Volume
See Specimen Required
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Varies | Refrigerated (preferred) | APTIMA VIAL | |
| Ambient | APTIMA VIAL | ||
| Frozen | APTIMA VIAL | ||
Reference Values
Negative
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday
Test Classification
This test has been modified from the manufacturer's instructions. Its performance characteristics were determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
87491
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| MCRNA | C. trach, Misc, Amplified RNA | 43304-5 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| SRC11 | SOURCE: | 31208-2 |
| 34507 | C. trach, Misc, Amplified RNA | 43304-5 |
Clinical Information
Chlamydia is caused by the obligate intracellular bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis and is the most prevalent sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria in the United States. In 2020, over 1.5 million documented cases were reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Given that 3 out of 4 infected women and 1 out of 2 infected men are initially asymptomatic, the actual prevalence of disease is thought to be much greater than reported. C trachomatis causes genitourinary infections in women and men and may be associated with dysuria as well as vaginal, urethral, or rectal discharge. In women, complications include pelvic inflammatory disease, salpingitis, and infertility. Approximately 25% to 30% of women who develop acute salpingitis become infertile. Complications among men are rare but include epididymitis and sterility. Rarely, genital chlamydial infection can cause arthritis with associated skin lesions and ocular inflammation (Reiter syndrome). C trachomatis can be transmitted from the mother during delivery and is associated with conjunctivitis and pneumonia in the newborn. Finally, C trachomatis may cause hepatitis and pharyngitis in adults.
Once detected, the infection is easily treated by a short course of antibiotic therapy. Annual chlamydia screening is now recommended for all sexually active women 25 years of age and younger and for older women with risk factors for infection, such as a new sex partner or multiple sex partners. The CDC also recommends that all pregnant women be given a screening test for chlamydia infection. Repeat testing for test-of-cure is not recommended after treatment with a standard treatment regimen unless patient compliance is in question, reinfection is suspected, or the patient's symptoms persist. Repeat testing of pregnant women, 3 weeks after completion of therapy, is also recommended to ensure therapeutic cure, although residual nucleic acid may remain in the absence of active infection.
Improved screening rates and increased sensitivity of nucleic acid amplification testing have resulted in an increased number of accurately diagnosed cases. Improved detection rates result from improved performance characteristics of the assays and patients' easy acceptance of urine testing. Early identification of infection enables sexual partners to seek testing and/or treatment as soon as possible and reduces the risk of disease spread. Prompt treatment reduces the risk of infertility in women.
Interpretation
A positive result indicates the presence of nucleic acid from Chlamydia trachomatis.
A negative result indicates the absence of C trachomatis nucleic acid. A negative result does not exclude the possibility of infection. If clinical indications strongly suggest chlamydial infection, additional specimens should be collected for testing.
A result of inconclusive indicates that a new specimen should be collected.
The predictive value of an assay depends on the prevalence of the disease in any specific population. In settings with a high prevalence of sexually transmitted infections, positive assay results have a high likelihood of being true-positive results. In settings with a low prevalence of sexually transmitted infections, or in any setting in which a patient's clinical signs and symptoms or risk factors are inconsistent with chlamydial urogenital infection, positive results should be carefully assessed, and the patient retested by other methods if appropriate.
Clinical Reference
1. Workowski KA, Bachmann LH, Chan PA, et al. Sexually transmitted infections treatment guidelines, 2021. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2021;70(4):1-187. doi:10.15585/mmwr.rr7004a1
2. Adamson PC, Klausner JD. Diagnostic test for detecting Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in rectal and pharyngeal specimens. J Clin Microbiol. 2022;60(4):e0021121. doi:10.1128/JCM.00211-21
Report Available
1 to 4 daysMethod Name
Transcription Mediated Amplification
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Microbiology Test Request (T244) with the specimen.
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