Test Overview
Culture for Chlamydia trachomatis.
Confirmation of the diagnosis of chlamydial infection. Chlamydia culture is used for detecting low levels of Chlamydia organisms present in suspected sexual abuse. If active Chlamydia infection is suspected, request the Chlamydia trachomatis DNA by PCR assay.
Negative
This procedure cannot distinguish Chlamydia trachomatis from other Chlamydia species but C. psittaci and C. pneumoniae are rarely isolated from the genital tract. This procedure is not appropriate for testing urine or semen. Vaginal cultures are not recommended because they have low sensitivity.
Test Details
2 - 5 days
- Lymphogranuloma venerum Culture
- LGV Culture
- Culture, Chlamydia trachomatis
- CCLAM
- CHLAMYDIA TRACHOMATIS CULTURE
Specimen Requirements
Specimens should be collected early in the acute phase of infection. Obtain epithelial cells from infected site (e.g., insert and rotate a cotton, dacron or rayon tipped swab 2-4 cm into the male urethra or 1-1.5 cm into the female endocervical canal; do not use Calgiswab or swab with wooden shaft). Put swab into M4-RT transport medium, cutting or breaking the shaft to fit the tube. Tightly cap the vial, place in a plastic bag and refrigerate; do not freeze. Indicate culture site on request form. Acceptable culture sites include endocervix, endourethral, conjunctiva, rectal, peritoneal, nasopharyngeal, and throat. Urine is not an acceptable specimen for Chlamydia culture.
Additional Information
Test sent to Warde Medical Laboratory.