Multicenter comparative evaluation of two rapid microscopic methods and culture for detection of Chlamydia trachomatis in patient specimens

Four hundred and seventy-three men and women at high risk for sexually transmitted disease were tested for the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis in the urethra or the endocervix. Four groups were involved in this multicenter study of two direct fluorescent-antibody microscopy tests, Kallestad Pathfinder and Syva Microtrak, compared with culture techniques. Results from the test sites indicated that there was no significant difference overall in the sensitivity and specificity of the two test kits. However, there was some interlaboratory variation seen in the sensitivity of the microscopy, but little difference in the specificity. Either kit could be an effective screening method for C. trachomatis in high-risk populations.