Which diagnostic test is commonly used to diagnose gonococcal infection?

Which diagnostic test is commonly used to diagnose gonococcal infection?

• A. NAAT or culture of urethral/cervical swab or urine; CSF Gram-negative diplococci if meningitis
• B. Serology testing only
• C. X-ray of pelvis
• D. Urine dipstick is sufficient

Answer: (A)

Nucleic acid amplification testing on samples from the affected sites provides the most reliable diagnosis for gonococcal infection. NAATs performed on first‑catch urine or urethral/cervical swabs have high sensitivity and specificity and can detect Neisseria gonorrhoeae even when symptoms are mild or absent. Culture is also used, particularly when antibiotic susceptibility testing is needed or in settings without NAAT availability. In the unusual situation of suspected gonococcal meningitis, CSF Gram‑negative diplococci on Gram stain or culture would confirm the diagnosis, but that scenario is rare. Serology is not useful for acute gonorrhea, and imaging or urine dipstick testing does not diagnose the infection.

Nucleic acid amplification testing on samples from the affected sites provides the most reliable diagnosis for gonococcal infection. NAATs performed on first‑catch urine or urethral/cervical swabs have high sensitivity and specificity and can detect Neisseria gonorrhoeae even when symptoms are mild or absent. Culture is also used, particularly when antibiotic susceptibility testing is needed or in settings without NAAT availability. In the unusual situation of suspected gonococcal meningitis, CSF Gram‑negative diplococci on Gram stain or culture would confirm the diagnosis, but that scenario is rare. Serology is not useful for acute gonorrhea, and imaging or urine dipstick testing does not diagnose the infection.