[Indications for laboratory testing of gonorrhea. New recommendations from the Working Group against Gonorrhea]

Culture testing for sexually transmitted Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection is widely used in Norwegian general practice. The gain from this testing is very low, since gonorrhoea is almost eradicated in Norway. This reduces the cost-effectiveness of the testing. In cooperation with a panel of medical microbiologists, gynaecologists, venerologists, general practitioners and public health specialists, we have reviewed the literature and drawn up a set of recommendations for the use of culture testing for gonococcal infection to suit the epidemiological situation in Norway. We emphasise clinical testing of men and women, partner notification and tests-of-cure. We do not recommend opportunistic screening for gonococci in any situation whatsoever.