A rapid molecular test for gonorrhea and chlamydia compared to Gram stain for symptomatic patients in a specialized STI clinic: a randomized controlled trial

Jana Jarolimova; Daniel Kong; Gabriela Sanders; Palak Shah; Christina Psaros; Robert A Parker; Kevin L. Ard; Ingrid V. Bassett

doi:10.1097/olq.0000000000002324

April 22, 2026Sexually Transmitted Diseases

A rapid molecular test for gonorrhea and chlamydia compared to Gram stain for symptomatic patients in a specialized STI clinic: a randomized controlled trial

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Key Points

The aim is to assess the effectiveness of a rapid PCR-based test for diagnosing gonorrhea and chlamydia in symptomatic patients.
Conducted a randomized controlled trial at a specialized STI clinic
Compared a PCR-based point of care test (POCT) with Gram stain methods
Evaluated antibiotic days of therapy (DOT) and usage patterns
Non-significant decrease in antibiotic days of therapy for patients tested with the PCR method
Indications that PCR STI POCTs could enhance appropriate antibiotic use among symptomatic patients
Clinic workflows will require adaptation to implement the new testing method effectively

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Implication

A randomized controlled trial evaluates a rapid PCR test's effectiveness in improving antibiotic use for symptomatic patients, suggesting workflow adjustments are needed.

Abstract

A PCR-based POCT for gonorrhea and chlamydia non-significantly decreased antibiotic DOT and overuse in this small study. PCR STI POCTs may improve diagnosis-concordant antibiotic use for symptomatic patients in STI clinics, however, clinic workflows will need to adapt.Trial registration: NCT05564299.

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Jarolimova et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69eb0c39553a5433e34b5916 https://doi.org/10.1097/olq.0000000000002324

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A rapid molecular test for gonorrhea and chlamydia compared to Gram stain for symptomatic patients in a specialized STI clinic: a randomized controlled trial

Key Points

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Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

A rapid molecular test for gonorrhea and chlamydia compared to Gram stain for symptomatic patients in a specialized STI clinic: a randomized controlled trial

Key Points

Ask about this paper

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

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