Urine gonococcal/Chlamydia testing in adolescents.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review will highlight the recent literature findings regarding urine-based Chlamydia and gonorrhea testing in adolescents.

RECENT FINDINGS: Rates of Chlamydia trachomatis are increasing, likely due to increased detection efficiency, but have not yet begun to decrease. Neisseria gonorrhoeae is at an all-time low. Urine-based testing for sexually transmitted infections is readily available and convenient but underutilized. Interesting approaches to a more universal screening program, including self-collected, mail-in urine samples, have been shown to be effective.

SUMMARY: In spite of recommendations urging universal screening for C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae and the availability of highly accurate and convenient tests, screening rates for adolescents and young adults remain below the universal recommendations. Strategies to improve screening rates should take advantage of urine-based screening methodologies for sexually transmitted infections because of their cost-effectiveness as well as the convenience for patient and provider.