Reliability of Urine Tests for Sexually Transmitted Infections

When it comes to testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) there are a number of different methods currently in use, each of which can offer their own distinct pros and cons. Urine tests are a prevalent method used in private and public health services across the world. These tests are simple to perform (all you need is a urine sample) and can yield accurate and reliable results when used appropriately. This article discusses the reliability of STI testing using urine tests.

Why is reliability important when urine testing for STIs?

As with any diagnostic procedure reliability is an important medical consideration, and this is especially the case where sensitive and sometimes embarrassing conditions like STIs are involved. An incorrect result can have both serious medical and personal consequences. Examples of the former include the lack of much needed treatment, while examples of latter include the embarrassment of incorrectly informing sexual partners of your infection (which you are obliged to do for health reasons).

Reliable testing is an important aspect of good medical practice, which is why new methods of diagnosing illnesses are constantly being developed.

What affects the reliability of urine testing for STIs?

The reliability of any STI test depends on a specific period of time called the window period. The window period is basically the time it takes from the point of infection to when a test can accurately detect the presence of a disease. The window period varies according to the type of test being used and the infection present, and is an important consideration when determining whether or not a result from a particular test is accurate or reliable.

How reliable are urine tests for STIs?

Generally speaking urine tests are a very reliable method of testing where the disease causing pathogen (microorganism like a virus or bacterium) is present in the urinary tract or urethra. This is because as urine passes through this structure, it carries out a sample of these infectious agents which can be detected through urine testing.

Where the infectious agent is not present in the urethra, urine tests are not the most reliable method of determining whether or not you have a certain infection. An example of these is the Herpes Simplex virus which can’t be detected through urine testing, and is generally tested for by means of a blood test.

The window period is also an important factor which determines the reliability of a urine test for STIs. If a test is performed within the window period, then results tend not to be as reliable, which is why knowing when the infection occurred is such an important consideration.

The reliability of urine tests for STIs is best indicated by the fact that this type of test is used across the world for the diagnosis of the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections like Chlamydia and Gonorrhea.

« STI Tests using Urine Testing Window Period for Urine Testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections »