Dual sampling for the detection of female Chlamydia trachomatis infection with a polymerase chain reaction test

Using a polymerase chain reaction method of detection, the value of taking urethral and endocervical specimens to screen for female Chlamydia trachomatis infection and to test for cure of that infection was audited. In the population of 130 women being screened, 19 (14.6%) had a positive result in either or both specimens. Eighteen infections (94.7%) were detected on the urethral sample and 16 (84.2%) on the endocervical sample. In the population of 40 women being tested for cure, C. trachomatis was detected in nine. The urethral sample was positive in 9/9 (100%) and the endocervical sample in 7/9 (77.8%). Analysis of those nine cases showed that seven had failed to take their treatment properly or had been at risk of re-infection.