Investigations for the common STIs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, herpes, HIV, syphilis, and trichomoniasis, including culture, nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT), and serology
Three testing modalities
- Three testing modalities, and the exam turns on choosing the right one
| Modality | Used for |
|---|---|
| NAAT | Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, M. genitalium, trichomonas, HSV, syphilis (lesion PCR) |
| Serology | HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C, HSV type-specific IgG (rarely useful) |
| Culture | Gonorrhoea - solely for antimicrobial susceptibility; not for diagnosis |
| Microscopy | Gram stain (urethral discharge), wet mount for trichomonas |
- Most STIs are asymptomatic -> testing is driven by risk, not symptoms
- *Test all exposed sites - pharyngeal and rectal infection is missed by a urine sample alone*
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