Sexually Transmitted Diseases... Health Article

Results

With the exception of Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma, these microorganisms are not found under normal conditions, so tests should be negative. M. hominis can be found in the male urethra and Ureaplasma urealyticum can be found in the female genital tract in the absence of disease. Therefore positive cultures for these organisms may indicate colonization without infection and the physician must differentiate these conditions on the basis of the physical examination and symptoms. Therefore, these organisms are treated at the discretion of the physician. If a person has a positive culture for any other of these microorganisms, antibiotic treatment is started and his or her sexual partners should be notified and tested. After treatment is completed, the physician may request a follow-up culture to confirm that the infection is cured.

Health care team roles

Genital cultures are ordered by a physician and collected by a physician, nurse, or physician assistant. Culture, microscopic analysis, immunoassay, and DNA testing are performed by clinical laboratory scientists/medical technologists. Wet preparations may also be performed by the physician or physician assistant or nurse practitioner with appropriate training. Nursing staff have a very important task in educating the patient in what to expect, assisting with obtaining samples, and helping to explain test results to patients. Many patients undergoing genital testing are in need of counseling regarding the risks of careless sexual behavior, and the opportunity should be used by staff for education to reduce risks in the future.

BOOKS

Fishbach, Frances Talaska. A Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests. 6th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott, 2000. pp. 563-565.

Malarky, Louise M., and Mary Ellen McMorrow. Nurses Manual of Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures. Philadelphia: WB Saunders Co., 2000. pp.177-179.

Tierney, Lawrence M., Stephen J. McPhee, and Maxine A. Papadakis. Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment 2001. New York: Lange Medical Books/McGraw-Hill, 2001, p. 1309.

ORGANIZATIONS

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Center for HIV, STD, and TB Prevention. 1600 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30333. (404) 639-8000. <http://www.cdc.gov/nchstp/od/nchstp.html>.

Erika J. Norris