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Laboratory tests used in US public health laboratories for sexually transmitted diseases, 2000.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases 2004;31(5):259-264.
Dicker LW, Mosure DJ, Steece R, Stone KM.
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Public health laboratories are a critical component
of sexually transmitted disease (STD) control in the United States. GOAL:
The goal of this study was to describe the types and volume of STD tests
performed in U.S. public health laboratories in 2000. STUDY DESIGN: A survey
was mailed to 123 members of the Association of Public Health Laboratories.
RESULTS: Eighty-one percent of 100 laboratories responded. Overall, 3294739
chlamydia tests and 3088142 gonorrhea tests were done; 62.4% of chlamydia
tests and 63.6% of gonorrhea tests were DNA probes. Fifty-six percent of
laboratories performed rapid plasma reagin (RPR) tests and 55% performed
Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) tests; the number of RPR tests
performed was twice that of VDRL tests. Few laboratories used new technologies
for bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis. Eighteen percent of laboratories
performed herpes simplex virus serology; however, most used inaccurate tests.
No laboratories performed human papillomavirus tests. CONCLUSIONS: This survey
documents for the first time STD tests performed in U.S. public health laboratories.