Chlamydia Tests

What To Think About

• If a chlamydia infection is suspected, do not have sexual intercourse until the test results have come back. If you have a chlamydia infection, do not have sexual intercourse for 7 days after the start of treatment. Your sex partner should also be treated for a chlamydia infection so you do not get reinfected and so others do not get infected.
• Only one laboratory test (NAAT, ELISA, DFA, DNA probe testing, or chlamydia culture) is needed to diagnose chlamydia. Your doctor can choose which test to use.
• Your doctor is required to report your chlamydia infection to the state health department. The department may contact your sex partners to inform them that they also need treatment.
• Screening for and treating chlamydia can help prevent pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). For more information on the treatment of a chlamydia infection, see the topic Chlamydia.
• Other sexually transmitted diseases may be present at the same time as chlamydia, so it is important to be tested and treated for all STDs. Chlamydia as well as other STDs can also increase the chance of getting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). An HIV test may be offered at the same time as a test for chlamydia or other STDs.

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Sandy Jocoy, RN	Last Updated: January 9, 2009
Medical Review:	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH - Infectious Disease
© 1995-2009 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.