Screening for Chlamydia is acceptable and feasible during Cervical Screening in General Practice

Ir Med J. 2016 Jan;109(1):326-7.

Abstract

The incidence of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) & Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) are rising in Ireland. Both are often undiagnosed and may cause infertility amongst other complications. 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. 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.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Chlamydia Infections / diagnosis*
  • Chlamydia Infections / epidemiology
  • Chlamydia trachomatis
  • Cohort Studies
  • Early Detection of Cancer
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • General Practice
  • Gonorrhea / diagnosis*
  • Gonorrhea / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Ireland / epidemiology
  • Mass Screening
  • Neisseria gonorrhoeae
  • Papanicolaou Test
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Vaginal Smears