Evaluation of vaginal tampons for collection of specimens for detection of Chlamydial infection.
OBJECTIVE
Previous studies have shown that self-inserted vaginal tampons can be used to obtain specimens for detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. There is a need to expand testing for infection with Chlamydia trachomatis to women who do not undergo regular gynecologic examinations.


OBJECTIVE
To compare self-inserted tampons with clinician-obtained endocervical swabs for collection of samples to be examined for chlamydial infection.


METHODS
Women referred because of recently detected untreated chlamydial infection inserted a vaginal tampon. Two endocervical swabs were obtained after the tampon was removed. One swab was cultured for Chlamydia trachomatis. The other swab and the tampon were examined with the Testpack Chlamydia antigen detection test.


RESULTS
Sixty-nine women were studied. Chlamydial infection was detected by culture in 75.4%, by Testpack (swab) in 63.8%, and by Testpack (tampon) in 52.2%.


CONCLUSIONS
Tampon-obtained specimens evaluated in the Testpack Chlamydia test were relatively insensitive. More sensitive tests for the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis infection with self-obtained specimens should be evaluated.
Smith
B L
BL
Department of Medicine and of Obstetrics, State University of New York Health Science Center at Brooklyn 11203, USA.
Cummings
M C
MC
Benes
S
S
McCormack
W M
WM
D000328:Adult; D001431:Bacteriological Techniques; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000382:microbiology*; D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002692:Chlamydia trachomatis / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D052576:Menstrual Hygiene Products; D008875:Middle Aged; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014481:United States
D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic