What do I need to know about gonorrhea testing?
The gonorrhea test is called the Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT). It's the "gold standard" for gonorrhea testing with superior sensitivity and specificity. An expert joint panel from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) recommend this test for the detection of N. gonorrhoeae infections in men and women, with and without symptoms.
Best of all, the NAAT has made it possible to test for gonorrhea on a urine sample, making a pelvic exam or urethral swab unnecessary.
Will I need to have a physical exam for this test?
No. You'll just provide a urine sample at the LabCorp or Quest Diagnostics test center. Fast and easy.
Do I need to prepare for this test?
For the most accurate results, do not urinate for at least one hour before going to the test center.
How fast can I get my results?
Gonorrhea tests can be processed very quickly. If you are getting tested for more than one STD, we will release all results at the same time...typically in 2 to 3 business days.
What do I need to know about the gonorrhea test result?
Gonorrhea tests are either positive or negative. Positive means that gonorrhea is present, whereas a negative gonorrhea result means that, at the time the test was taken, there was no presence of infection.
If you should test positive, one of our doctors can prescribe an antibiotic to cure the infection. Gonorrhea is highly infectious...for that reason, it's very important to let your sex partner(s) know that they may have been exposed to gonorrhea so they can get tested and treated, too, if necessary.