Chlamydia trachomatis detection by immunofluorescence: a comparison of two methods of slide preparation

Two methods of slide preparation for the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis by immunofluorescence were compared. A total of 98 specimens submitted to the laboratory for chlamydial examination were processed using a cytocentrifuge and a microcentrifuge. The resulting slides were stained with a fluorescein-labelled monoclonal antibody and examined for elementary bodies. Of the 98 samples examined, 43 were positive (i.e. had at least 10 elementary bodies) in the cytocentrifuge preparation and 40 were positive in the microcentrifuge preparation. Fifty-two samples were negative in both preparations. The cytocentrifuge method was quicker, and resulted in flatter preparations which were easier to read except where there were too many cells.