STI/ HIV Laboratory Tests for the Detection of Reproductive Tract Infections

This publication discusses state-of-the-art methods to detect eleven RTI. The types of assay presented fall into several categories and include detection of the organism by direct microscopy, detection of metabolic products, culture, and the detection of specific antibodies, antigens, DNA or RNA. The methods that are most useful in detecting each organism are summarized, as well as their sampling procedures, sensitivity and specificity, the advantages and disadvantages of laboratory testing, the appropriate level of use, the training and equipment required, the ease of performance, and the indicative cost of reagents.