
%0 Journal Article
%A Chandeying, V. 
%A Lamlertkittikul, S. 
%A Skov, S. 
%T A comparison of first-void urine, self-administered low vaginal swab, self-inserted tampon, and endocervical swab using PCR tests for the detection of infection with <emph type="2">Chlamydia trachomatis</emph>
%J Sexual Health
%D 2004/03/30
%V 1
%N 1
%P 51-54
%K polymerase chain reaction, chlamydia.
%R https://doi.org/10.1071/SH03009
%U https://www.publish.csiro.au/paper/SH03009 
%X Background: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, AMPLICOR, Roche Diagnostics, were shown to be an acceptable and sensitive method of detecting Chlamydia trachomatis infection. The PCR test&#39;s ability to evaluate different specimen types is worth determining, as well as the acceptability to Thai women of the self-collection of samples. Methods: Of the 1011 subjects interviewed, 953/1011 subjects (94.3%) agreed to self-test, 523 were commercial sex workers (CSWs) and 430 were outpatient women (OPW). More than half [570/953 (59.8%)] participated in the four-specimen collection, to be tested by PCR for C. trachomatis. Specimens were collected via first-void urine (FVU), self-administered low vaginal swab (LVS), self-inserted tampon, and endocervical swab (ES). The majority, 906/953 subjects (95.1%), had only three methods of specimen collection, LVS being excluded. Results: The prevalence of positive C. trachomatis detection among the CSWs/ OPW was 17.6/7.2%, 15.6/5.4%, 12.8/4.2%, and 11.6/5.7% using tampons, LVS, FUV, and ES collection methods respectively. Tampons were used to compare results from other specimen types in both groups. Significantly more OPWs were willing to use a tampon for repeat specimen collection (85.1%) than were the CSWs (62.3%). Willingness to use a LVS again was not significant, 75.2% in outpatient women and 74% in CSWs. Conclusions: Tampon and LVS, self-collection methods are acceptable to women in Thailand and are a good alternative method for detection of C. trachomatis. 
