Researchers conducted this study to determine whether screening for asymptomatic Chlamydia trachomatis infection could be undertaken in the context of a smear clinic or other sexual health consultation in general practice.
A prospective, opportunistic cohort study was undertaken in a general practice setting. The participants were asymptomatic women aged 16–24 years and men aged 16–34 years screened for Chlamydia trachomatis by testing endocervical swabs or first-voided urine samples. The primary outcome measure was the uptake of the screening offer and the presence or absence of chlamydia infection as indicated by the test result.
A total of 115 patients were offered to screen. The participants were 109 women and six men in gender distribution. Eighty-one (70%) patients accepted five positive results, giving an overall prevalence of 6.2% (5/81, 95% CI 1–11%). Of those offered screening when having a smear, 8.3% (3/36, 95% CI 0–17%) were positive.
The study concluded that the screening for chlamydia could be undertaken in the context of existing services offered in general practice (e.g., a smear clinic or consultation) where contraception/sexual health is discussed.
Reference: https://srh.bmj.com/content/31/2/109
