title: Diagnostic, treatment, and reporting criteria for non-specific genital infection in sexually transmitted disease clinics in England and Wales. 1: Diagnosis.
abstract: The current methods of diagnosis for non-specific genital infection (NSGI) in clinics in England and Wales are described. In most clinics (92%) microscopical findings were used by consultants to establish the diagnosis of non-specific urethritis (NSU) in male patients. However, the microscopical criteria that they used in reaching a diagnosis varied between clinics. The most commonly applied criterion was that of less than five leucocytes per high power field. NSGI in female patients and non-specific proctitis in passive homosexuals were recognised as distincy in 60% of clinics and the latter in 57%. Among those who recognised these conditions the diagnostic criteria varied. The establishment of acceptable and uniform criteria for diagnosis are discussed.
mesh_terms: D001431:Bacteriological Techniques; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D006716:Homosexuality; D006801:Humans; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008297:Male; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; D011349:Proctitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014526:Urethritis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology; D014852:Wales