What test can detect chlamydia and gonorrhea infections?

Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) are highly sensitive and specific tests designed to detect the genetic material of pathogens, including the bacteria responsible for chlamydia and gonorrhea. These tests amplify the nucleic acids, allowing for the detection of even small quantities of bacterial DNA or RNA in a sample. NAATs can be performed using various types of specimens, including urine, cervical swabs, and rectal swabs, making them versatile and effective in diagnosing these infections.

Other testing methods listed, while valuable in different contexts, do not offer the same level of accuracy for detecting chlamydia and gonorrhea. Urinalysis generally screens for other conditions, such as urinary tract infections, but is not specific for these sexually transmitted infections. Culture tests can detect the presence of bacteria, but they are less sensitive than NAATs, especially in asymptomatic individuals. Blood tests are primarily used for the detection of systemic infections or other sexually transmitted diseases, rather than localized infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea. Thus, NAATs stand out as the preferred method for accurately identifying these infections.