Trends in the use of sexually transmitted disease diagnostic technologies in California, 1996-2003.
OBJECTIVE
To describe trends in STD diagnostic test volume and test technology in California from 1996 to 2003.


METHODS
A self-administered survey was mailed annually to licensed clinical laboratories in California that performed STD testing. Data were collected on volume and diagnostic test type for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, chancroid, HIV, hepatitis B, herpes simplex virus (HSV), and human papilloma virus (HPV). Data were analyzed for trends over time.


RESULTS
Response rates ranged from 77% to 99% per survey year. The total number of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis tests increased from 8.1 to 9.3 million annually. The proportion of chlamydia and gonorrhea tests performed using nucleic acid amplification testing increased from 5% to 66% and from 1% to 59%, respectively. Gonorrhea culture testing decreased from 42% to 10% of all gonorrhea tests. HIV test volume increased from 2.4 to 3.1 million tests. Newer technology tests for HSV and HPV were less common but increased in use. Non-public health laboratories conducted over 90% of all STD testing.


CONCLUSIONS
Analyzing trends in diagnostic technologies enhances our understanding of the epidemiology of STDs and monitoring laboratory capacity and practices facilitates implementation of STD control activities.
Ahrens
Katherine
K
California Department of Health Services, STD Control Branch, Richmond, CA 94804, USA.
Bradbury
K Jayne
KJ
Bauer
Heidi M
HM
Samuel
Michael C
MC
Gould
Gail
G
Donatoni
Giannina
G
Higgins
Chandra
C
Kerndt
Peter
P
Bolan
Gail
G
D002140:California / Q000453:epidemiology; D003955:Diagnostic Tests, Routine / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007753:Laboratories / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control