[False positive tests of sexually transmitted Chlamydia trachomatis infections]

We describe the cases of three women who, in 1994, filed complaints of alleged false-positive diagnosis of Chlamydia infection with the Norwegian Patients' Association. They were living in mutually monogamous relationships, but had genital symptoms when they visited their doctor. The positive tests had adverse psychological and social consequences. Two women and their partners had negative repeat tests elsewhere, while one woman found that the laboratory, but not her doctor, had registered her primary test as negative. We suggest measures to reduce the number of false-positive tests and to prevent adverse psychological and social consequences of such tests. Patients should be involved in the decision to perform a Chlamydia test. The doctors should be aware of the possibility of false results, and must improve their information to patients with positive tests.