Gonorrhea Test- Why am I having this test?
Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection that spreads from person to person through sexual contact. It can also spread from a mother to her baby during childbirth. You may be tested for gonorrhea if:
- You have symptoms of gonorrhea.
- You are pregnant or plan to get pregnant.
- You have multiple sexual partners.
What is being tested?
This test checks your urine or body fluid for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacteria that causes gonorrhea.
What kind of sample is taken?
The sample required depends on the type of test that will be done:
- For the nucleic acid amplification test, a urine sample is required. A health care provider may also use a swab to collect a fluid sample from the area of possible infection.
- For the nucleic acid hybridization test, your health care provider will use a swab to collect a fluid sample from the penis or vagina.
- For the gonorrhea culture test, your health care provider will use a swab to collect a sample of bodily fluid from the area of possible infection. This test may also be done for legal reasons in cases of sexual assault.
How do I prepare for this test?
- Let your health care provider know if you are taking antibiotic medicine.
- Do notuse vaginal creams or douches.
- Try to arrive for the test with a full bladder.
How are the results reported?
Your test results will be reported as either positive or negative for the presence of the bacteria that causes gonorrhea.
- A false-positive result can occur. A false positive is an error in the test result that reports that a condition is present when it is not.
- A false-negative result can occur. A false negative is an error in the test result that reports that a condition is not present when it is.
What do the results mean?
- If your test result is negative, then it is most likely that you do not have the disease.
- If your test result is positive, then you may have an active gonorrhea infection. More testing may be needed. It is very important that you notify any sexual partners so that they can also be tested.
Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.
Questions to ask your health care provider
Ask your health care provider, or the department that is doing the test:
- When will my results be ready?
- How will I get my results?
- What are my treatment options?
- What other tests do I need?
- What are my next steps?
Summary
- Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection that spreads from person to person through sexual contact. It can also spread from a mother to her baby during childbirth.
- A urine sample or a sample of bodily fluid will be needed for the test. The sample required depends on the type of test that will be done.
- If your test result is negative, then it is most likely that you do not have the disease.
- If your test result is positive, then you may have an active gonorrhea infection. It is very important that you notify any sexual partners so that they can also be tested.
