Chlamydia trachomatis Screening Test
This test looks for evidence of a Chlamydia trachomatis infection, a common sexually transmitted bacterium. Screening helps find infection early, including when there are no symptoms, so it can be treated and prevented from spreading.
["Chlamydia screening detects a common sexually transmitted infection so it can be treated early and passed on to others less often."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 82957-2
- Short code
- HEDIS 2017-18 Chlamydia
- Synonyms
- HEDIS 2017-18 Chlamydia
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 87110
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Checks For
The test detects Chlamydia trachomatis, a bacterium spread mainly through sexual contact. It is often part of a routine sexual health screening, including the HEDIS quality measure for chlamydia screening in sexually active young women.
How the Sample Is Collected
Depending on the lab and your situation, the sample is usually a urine specimen or a swab from the genital area. Your healthcare provider will tell you how to prepare and which collection method is used.
Why Screening Matters
Many people with chlamydia have no symptoms, so screening can find an infection that would otherwise go unnoticed. Early treatment helps relieve symptoms, prevents complications, and reduces the chance of passing the infection to a partner.
What Your Results Mean
A negative result generally means no evidence of chlamydia was found at the time of testing. A positive result suggests infection and usually means treatment and partner notification are needed. Your provider interprets results along with your history and other tests.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Chlamydia is one of the most commonly reported sexually transmitted infections. Untreated infection can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, chronic pelvic pain, and fertility problems in women, and can increase the risk of other infections. Screening and prompt treatment are important public health measures, and results should always be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Short name
Chlamydia Screening
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast or prepare for a chlamydia test?
Can chlamydia be present without any symptoms?
What happens if my chlamydia test is positive?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy