Title: Screening for chlamydia is acceptable and feasible during cervical screening in general practice.
Authors: Hassan, SJ; Dunphy, E; Navin, E; Marron, L; Fitzsimmons, C; Loy, A; O’Shea, B
Abstract: The incidence of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) & Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) are rising in Ireland.
1
Both are often
undiagnosed and may cause infertility amongst other complications.
2
CT/NG screening is not routinely offered during
cervical cancer screening. This study aimed to ascertain the feasibility and acceptability of screening for CT/NG at
time of smear and to measure the diagnostic yield. Screening was offered to women aged 25-40 years attending four
participating general practices as part of Cervical Check.
3
A retrospective review of the three months preceding the
study period, indicated that out of 138 smears, CT/NG testing was performed in 10 (7%) of cases. 236 (93%) patients
consented to screening for CT/NG. The detection rate for Chlamydia was 6 (2.4%), with no positive results for NG.
Feedback from patients was positive. Interestingly, 42 (18%) of participants who completed the questionnaire believed
STI screening was already part of the routine smear.
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