Q: When is Chlamydia screening clinically indicated?

Chlamydia screening is indicated in the following circumstances:

• Any woman having an intrauterine device fitted (Mirena or traditional copper containing)
• Any woman with irregular, post-coital or intermenstrual bleeding
• Any women with pelvic pain

Currently we are part of a national opportunistic screening programme aimed at screening any asymptomatic woman under 25 years of age.

The Big Screen - Chlamydia Screening in East and Mid Sussex for Under 25s

Q: How is Chlamydia screened for?

Chlamydia can be screened for using either swabs or urine specimens. The swabs can betaken from the endocervix (sensitivity 96%) or from the lower vagina (sensitivity 93%). These are performed using the pink topped NAAT swabs. The lower vaginal/vulval swabs can be performed by the patient. Screening can also be performed in urine (sensitivity 90%), but is problematic due to the presence of inhibitors in the urine.

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