Neisseria gonorrhoeae RNA Detection by Nucleic Acid Probe
This test checks for the presence of genetic material from the bacteria that causes gonorrhea. It helps confirm an infection when symptoms are present or if you’ve been exposed.
["A gonorrhea RNA test can confirm infection quickly, even when symptoms aren’t obvious."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 80366-8
- Short code
- N gonorrhoea rRNA Anorectl Ql NAA+probe
- Synonyms
- N gonorrhoea rRNA Anorectl Ql NAA+probe
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- probe-amp-tar
- 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
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like pain or discharge from the penis, vagina, or rectum, or if you’ve had unprotected sex and are at risk. It’s also used in screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or during pregnancy to check for gonorrhea.
How the Test Works
The test uses a special probe to detect genetic material (RNA) from *Neisseria gonorrhoeae*, the bacteria responsible for gonorrhea. A small sample is taken from your body fluid (like urine, vaginal fluid, or rectal fluid) and analyzed in a lab.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You may be asked to provide a urine sample or a swab from your genitals or rectum, depending on where the infection is suspected. If you’re pregnant, your provider will guide you on safe collection methods.
What to Expect During the Test
The test is quick and usually done in a lab. For urine samples, you may urinate into a sterile container. For swabs, a healthcare provider may collect a sample from your genitals or rectum. Results are typically available within a few days.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Detecting gonorrhea early is important because untreated infections can lead to serious health problems, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, infertility, or joint infections. It’s also crucial for preventing the spread of infection to others. This test helps guide treatment and prevent complications.
Short name
Gonorrhea RNA Test
Frequently asked questions
How soon can I get results?
What does a positive result mean?
What does a negative result mean?
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