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Forward Genetic Approaches in Chlamydia trachomatis
Published on: October 23, 2013
Pooling of urine specimens for PCR testing: a cost saving strategy for Chlamydia trachomatis control programmes
R W Peeling1, B Toye, P Jessamine
1National Laboratory for Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Laboratory Centre for Disease Control, Health Canada.
Sexually Transmitted Infections
|June 20, 1998
Summary
Pooling first catch urine (FCU) specimens for Chlamydia trachomatis PCR testing significantly reduces costs by 57% while maintaining high sensitivity and specificity. This strategy offers a cost-effective approach for chlamydia screening in asymptomatic men.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Public Health
- Molecular Diagnostics
Background:
- Chlamydia trachomatis infections are a significant public health concern.
- Accurate and cost-effective diagnostic methods are crucial for effective screening programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of pooling first catch urine (FCU) specimens for Chlamydia trachomatis PCR testing.
- To determine the optimal pool size for maintaining assay performance.
Main Methods:
- Mock specimens were used to optimize pool size and workflow for the Amplicor Chlamydia trachomatis PCR assay.
- 370 FCU specimens from asymptomatic men were pooled into groups of five and tested using PCR.
- Performance metrics (sensitivity, specificity) and cost savings were compared to individual testing.
Main Results:
- Pooling FCU specimens in pools of two and five did not affect PCR assay sensitivity or specificity.
- A pool size of ten showed decreased sensitivity due to inhibition in one instance without dilution.
- Pooling 370 FCU specimens into 74 pools of five achieved 95% sensitivity and 100% specificity, with a 57% cost saving.
Conclusions:
- Pooling FCU specimens for Chlamydia PCR testing is a cost-effective strategy, yielding significant savings.
- The effectiveness of pooling depends on infection prevalence.
- Further validation with fresh FCU specimens is recommended to confirm these findings.
