Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT) are used to screen for chlamydia and gonorrhea in male urethral, female endocervical and vaginal swabs as well as urine specimens. NAAT methods are not recommended for conjunctival, pharyngeal or rectal testing.

Tests Available

Chlamydia: Chlamydia and gonorrhea testing is available for health department patients under the maternity, family planning, and STD Programs.

Gonorrhea cultures: Gonorrhea cultures are used to test conjunctival, pharyngeal and rectal specimens in support of the sexually-transmitted disease, family planning, and maternity programs. Cultures are used to confirm gonorrhea in medico-legal cases.

HIV: HIV-1 Viral Load testing is performed for newly diagnosed HIV patients.

Syphilis: Syphilis serology testing includes a nontreponemal test for screening and a treponemal assay to confirm all reactive screening tests. A serologic test for syphilis is required by Mississippi law to obtain a marriage license. Specimen collection, fees, and laboratory reports for premarital testing are coordinated by the county health departments and private physicians.

The mycology laboratory accepts isolates from hospital laboratories submitted for reference testing, including systemic isolates for confirmation.

Technology

A fully-automated instrument is used to perform NAAT for chlamydia and gonorrhea, Monday through Friday.

The guidelines for sample collection, transport, and ordering can be obtained from the Laboratory Services Guide. All requests for clinical testing must be made by a licensed physician or nurse practitioner.