Conventional tissue culture compared with rapid immunofluorescence for identifying Chlamydia trachomatis in specimens...

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.