STI/HIV: Laboratory tests for the detection of reproductive tract infections
Summary
This publication discusses state-of-the-art methods of detecting eleven reproductive tract infections (RTI). The types of assay presented fall into several categories and include detection of the organism by direct microscopy, detection of metabolic products, culture, and the detection of specific antibodies., antigens, DNA or RNA. It summarizes only the methods that are most useful in detecting each organism. Sampling procedures, sensitivity and specificity, the advantages and disadvantages of laboratory testing, as well as the appropriate level of use, training and equipment required and ease of performance are also discussed.