Neisseria gonorrhoeae, PCR Qualitative Test
About Neisseria gonorrhoeae, PCR Qualitative Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | GC DNA Detection, Gonorrhoea NAAT, N. gonorrhoeae DNA PCR, GC PCR Test, Gonorrhoea Nucleic Acid Amplification Test |
| Sample Type | Urine (first-void), urethral swab, vaginal swab, cervical swab, rectal swab, or throat swab |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 24 to 72 hours (varies by laboratory) |
| Recommended For | Both males and females, sexually active individuals of all ages |
| Price | Starting at ₹5,000 |
What is a Neisseria gonorrhoeae PCR Qualitative Test?
The Neisseria gonorrhoeae PCR Qualitative Test is a molecular diagnostic test that detects the genetic material of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacterium that causes the sexually transmitted infection (STI) gonorrhoea. It is also known as GC DNA Detection or a Gonorrhoea Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT). A doctor may prescribe this test if you have symptoms of gonorrhoea or have had potential exposure to the infection. The sample can be urine, a urethral swab, a vaginal or cervical swab, a rectal swab, or a throat swab, depending on the site of suspected infection.
What Does a Neisseria gonorrhoeae PCR Qualitative Test Measure?
This test uses polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology to detect the presence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae DNA in your sample. The result is reported in qualitative terms, indicating whether bacterial DNA was detected.
The key aspects of this test are outlined below:
| Component | What It Tells You |
|---|---|
| Neisseria gonorrhoeae DNA | A simple positive (gonorrhoea-causing bacterium is present in your sample) or negative result, indicating current infection status |
Why is a Neisseria gonorrhoeae PCR Qualitative Test Done?
This test is ordered when a doctor suspects a gonorrhoea infection or when routine STI screening is recommended.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms may prompt a doctor to recommend this test:
- Burning sensation when passing urine
- White, yellow, or green discharge from the penis
- Painful or swollen testicles in men
- Increased vaginal discharge in women
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding between periods, during, or after intercourse in women
- Lower abdominal pain in women
- Pain or discomfort in the rectal area
- Sore throat with no obvious cause, following oral sexual contact
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
A positive result may point to one or more of the following conditions:
- Active gonorrhoea infection at urogenital, rectal, or throat sites
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, a condition where the infection spreads to the reproductive organs and can cause inflammation of the organs of the female reproductive system
- Epididymitis in men, which is a painful swelling of the tube that carries sperm, which can, in rare cases, affect fertility
- Increased susceptibility to HIV, as untreated gonorrhoea can make HIV transmission more likely
Neisseria gonorrhoeae, PCR Qualitative Test During Pregnancy
Screening for gonorrhoea is recommended at the first prenatal visit for pregnant women who are considered at higher risk of infection. A second screen during the third trimester may be advised for those who remain at risk. Untreated gonorrhoea during pregnancy is associated with preterm labour, early rupture of membranes, and risks to the baby, including low birth weight and eye infections that can affect vision.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No complex preparation is needed for this test, but a few simple steps will help ensure an accurate result.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required. You can eat and drink normally before your appointment.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following in mind before your sample is collected:
- If giving a urine sample, avoid passing urine for at least 1 to 2 hours beforehand
- Do not use vaginal lubricants, creams, or gels containing carbomer before collection, as these can interfere with the test
- Tell your doctor or the collection professional about all antibiotics or medications you are currently taking, as some can affect the result
- Inform the collection professional about the sites involved during sexual activity so the correct swab site can be chosen
Step-by-Step Procedure
- A trained healthcare professional will confirm the appropriate sample type based on your symptoms and history.
- For a urine sample, you will be asked to collect the first portion of your urine stream (first-void) into a sterile container.
- For a swab sample, the professional will gently collect a sample from the relevant site with a sterile swab, such as the urethra, vagina, cervix, rectum, or throat. Urethral, vaginal, rectal and cervical swabs collection require centre visit for collection.
- The sample is labelled and stored under appropriate conditions for transport to the laboratory.
- In the lab, PCR technology amplifies millions of copies of the target bacterial DNA, making even very small amounts detectable.
- The result is reported as "detected" (positive) or "not detected" (negative) and sent to you within 24 to 72 hours.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
- Not holding urine for the recommended time before a urine sample collection
- Current or recent antibiotic use at the time of testing
- Use of vaginal products containing carbomer before specimen collection
- Improper storage or transport of the sample
- Testing very soon after exposure, before detectable levels of bacterial DNA are present
- Low numbers of bacteria in the specimen at the time of collection
Understanding Your Neisseria gonorrhoeae, PCR Qualitative Test Results
Your result will be either positive (detected) or negative (not detected). Always review the results with your doctor, who will interpret them alongside your symptoms, medical history, and any other tests performed.
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Not Detected (Negative) | No Neisseria gonorrhoeae DNA found in the sample; no active gonorrhoea infection detected at the time of testing |
| Detected (Positive) | Neisseria gonorrhoeae DNA is present in the sample, suggesting an active gonorrhoea infection |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
A significant number of people with gonorrhoea have no symptoms at all. Approximately 10-15% of men and up to 80% of women may be unaware they are infected. A negative result does not entirely rule out infection if the test was performed very soon after exposure or if antibiotics were taken recently, both of which can reduce the test's accuracy. Urine samples in women may detect slightly fewer infections compared to vaginal or cervical swabs.
Tips To Maintain Sexual Wellness
These general wellness tips can reduce the risk of gonorrhoea infection:
- Use a condom or a dental dam consistently during sexual activity
- Get tested regularly for STIs if you are sexually active with new or multiple partners
- If you have been treated for gonorrhoea, avoid sexual contact for at least 7 days after completing treatment and arrange a follow-up test approximately three months later.
- Informing your sexual partner(s) of your diagnosis is essential to facilitate timely testing, treatment, and prevention of further transmission
Lupin Diagnostics Neisseria gonorrhoeae PCR Qualitative Test Price and Home Collection
The Neisseria gonorrhoeae PCR Qualitative Test is available at Lupin Diagnostics, with home sample collection in major cities, depending on the sample type. The Approximate prices are listed below.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Hyderabad | ₹5,000 |
| Bhopal | ₹5,000 |
| Mumbai | ₹5,000 |
| Bengaluru | ₹5,000 |
| Chennai | ₹5,000 |
| Kolkata | ₹5,000 |
| Pune | ₹5,000 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Depending on the sample, opt for home sample collection by a certified technician or healthcare provider, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Home collection option for the Neisseria gonorrhoeae test is available for selected samples across cities through Lupin Diagnostics. The test is carried out by trained professionals. Your healthcare provider will decide the sample site based on your symptoms. If the sample is urine or nasal and throat swabs, home collection can be opted for; otherwise, you will need to visit the centre/hospital for sample collection. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories to ensure accurate and reliable results. Your digital report will be accessible via email or WhatsApp once it's ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Neisseria gonorrhoeae PCR Qualitative Test is a molecular test that detects the DNA of the bacterium responsible for gonorrhoea. It can identify the infection from urine or swab samples and reports a result as either detected or not detected. It is one of the most accurate methods available for diagnosing gonorrhoea.
The Gonorrhoea NAAT is considered highly accurate, with sensitivity above 95% and specificity above 98% in clinical studies. It performs better than older culture-based methods, particularly for detecting infection at multiple body sites. However, results can be affected by recent antibiotic use or incorrect sample collection.
Yes. The Neisseria gonorrhoeae test at home is available through Lupin Diagnostics only for selected samples. A trained professional visits your location to collect the urine or swab sample, which is then sent to an accredited laboratory for analysis. It is preferable to opt for centre visit for this test as the healthcare provider will decide the sample site based on your symptoms.
Gonorrhoea and chlamydia share similar symptoms, and it is common to have both infections at the same time. Testing for both together ensures that neither infection is missed, leading to more complete and appropriate care from your doctor.
Symptoms of gonorrhoea typically appear within 2 to 7 days of exposure, though the window can extend up to 30 days. If you were tested very soon after possible exposure, your doctor may recommend a repeat test to confirm the result.
A negative result means no GC DNA detection was found in your sample at the time of testing. However, a very early test after exposure, recent antibiotic use, or low bacterial numbers in the sample can occasionally produce a false-negative result. Always discuss the result with your doctor if you have ongoing symptoms or concerns.
Yes. Screening is recommended in early pregnancy for women at higher risk of infection. A second screen in the third trimester may be advised if the risk continues. Detecting and treating gonorrhoea during pregnancy helps protect both the mother and the baby from potential complications.
Neisseria gonorrhoeae, PCR Qualitative Test
