Overview of diagnostics and the NCSP
The NCSP Core Requirements Section gives full guidance on laboratory standards. The NCSP’s microbiologist liaises with the HPA Chlamydia Diagnosis Forum and other bodies to address any NCSP diagnostic issues that arise from the laboratories, from programme co-ordinators or from any other health professionals. If you have a query that has not been addressed in the Core Requirements, please contact the NCSP microbiologist.
The NCSP standard – the Nucleic Acid Amplification Test
All laboratories providing a testing service for the NCSP must use a Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT). In 2003, the NAAT test platform was recommended by the Health Select Committee (HSC) for the detection of genital Chlamydia trachomatis, a recommendation endorsed by the English Chief Medical Officer. In 2004/5 £7 million pump priming money was invested to ensure that all Strategic Health Authorities (SHAs) in England were in compliance with this recommendation.
Diagnostics: Quality Assurance
Adherence to the laboratory performance indicators will be assessed to ensure quality of service. Quality Assurance standards are currently being developed - further information is available in the Quality Assurance page of this website.
All laboratories providing a testing service to the NCSP must be CPA-accredited and must advise the programme of any change in accreditation status.
Current issues
The development of antimicrobial resistance, the presence of variants which escape detection, and the utility of rapid point of care tests are under review and ultimately affect diagnosis.
Chlamydia Testing Activity Survey 2008
The NCSP Core Requirements Section gives full guidance on laboratory standards. The NCSP’s microbiologist liaises with the HPA Chlamydia Diagnosis Forum and other bodies to address any NCSP diagnostic issues that arise from the laboratories, from programme co-ordinators or from any other health professionals. If you have a query that has not been addressed in the Core Requirements, please contact the NCSP microbiologist.
The NCSP standard – the Nucleic Acid Amplification Test
All laboratories providing a testing service for the NCSP must use a Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT). In 2003, the NAAT test platform was recommended by the Health Select Committee (HSC) for the detection of genital Chlamydia trachomatis, a recommendation endorsed by the English Chief Medical Officer. In 2004/5 £7 million pump priming money was invested to ensure that all Strategic Health Authorities (SHAs) in England were in compliance with this recommendation.
Why do you use the NAAT?
NAATs have been shown to be the most sensitive and specific tests currently available [http://sti.bmj.com/cgi/reprint/82/4/272]. NAATs also allow the use of non-invasive specimen collection, such as urine and self-taken swabs. These are generally more acceptable to patients. Further guidance on sample collection is available in the NCSP Core Requirements, Section 5.10.
Which NAATs platform should I use?
The ‘Checklist for Choosing a NAAT platform’ given in Appendix 6 of the Core Requirements provides advice when deciding on which NAAT platform to use.
Diagnostics: Quality Assurance
Adherence to the laboratory performance indicators will be assessed to ensure quality of service. Quality Assurance standards are currently being developed - further information is available in the Quality Assurance page of this website.
All laboratories providing a testing service to the NCSP must be CPA-accredited and must advise the programme of any change in accreditation status.
Current issues
The development of antimicrobial resistance, the presence of variants which escape detection, and the utility of rapid point of care tests are under review and ultimately affect diagnosis.
Chlamydia Testing Activity Survey 2008
Chlamydia Testing Activity in Laboratories across England.
File Size 147 kb
The National Chlamydia Screening Programme (NCSP) is a control and prevention programme targeted at the highest risk group for chlamydia infection in England, young people under 25 who are sexually active.
Chlamydia is often asymptomatic so a large proportion of cases remain undiagnosed, but infection can be diagnosed easily (young people can do the test themselves), and treated effectively.
To find your local Chlamydia Screening Office or to register with us enter your post code or select your region on the map
Chlamydia is often asymptomatic so a large proportion of cases remain undiagnosed, but infection can be diagnosed easily (young people can do the test themselves), and treated effectively.
To find your local Chlamydia Screening Office or to register with us enter your post code or select your region on the map
© 2010 National Chlamydia Screening Programme
