Does this test have other names?

No.

What is this test?

This test looks for Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria in a sample of cells collected from your urine.

C. trachomatis bacteria cause chlamydia. Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the U.S.

The CDC advises that sexually active women 25 and younger be screened once a year for chlamydia. The CDC advises older women with risk factors also be screened once a year. That's because as many as half of women who get chlamydia don't have any symptoms. Men should be tested as soon as they have symptoms. They should also be tested if their partners are diagnosed with chlamydia.

In women, chlamydia may lead to cervicitis. This is an inflammation and swelling of the cervix. If it isn't treated, it can lead to serious sexual health problems. It can lead to infertility. In men, chlamydia can cause urethritis. This is a swelling of the urethra and may cause blood in the urine. Babies born to infected mothers can get lung and eye infections. Affected women may also develop endometriosis.

Chlamydia can be treated with antibiotics.

Why do I need this test?

You may need this test if any of these apply to you:

• You are a woman age 25 or younger and sexually active

• You are a woman older than age 25 with risk factors such as new or multiple sexual partners

• You are a man whose partner has been diagnosed with chlamydia

• You are a woman or man who is sexually active and has any of the symptoms listed below

When symptoms happen in women, they can include:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge

• Stomach pain

• Pain during sex

• Pain when urinating

• Rectal pain

When symptoms happen in men, they can include:

• Watery discharge from the penis that's not urine

• Pain when urinating

• Swollen scrotum

• Painful sensation in the testicles

• Rectal pain

What other tests might I have along with this test?

Your healthcare provider may also order other tests for you. This is because chlamydia symptoms can be confused with symptoms of other STIs. These STIs include:

• Gonorrhea 

• HIV/AIDS

• Hepatitis B

• Trichomoniasis

• Syphilis

What do my test results mean?

Test results may vary depending on your age, gender, health history, and other things. Your test results may be different depending on the lab used. They may not mean you have a problem. Ask your healthcare provider what your test results mean for you.

Negative test results mean that no chlamydia cells were found in your urine.

A positive result means that chlamydia bacteria were found and that you are likely infected with chlamydia.

How is this test done?

You may be told to give a "first void" urine sample. This means you will need to collect your first urine in the morning after you wake up. Or you may be told not to pee for 2 hours before giving a urine sample. Follow any instructions your healthcare provider gives you.

Does this test pose any risks?

This test has no known risks.

What might affect my test results?

Other factors aren't likely to affect your results.

How do I get ready for this test?

You don't need to prepare for this test. Be sure your healthcare provider knows about all medicines, herbs, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. This includes medicines that don't need a prescription and any illegal drugs you may use.