Editorial Commentary: The NAAT Is Out of the Bag

Author:
Open Access
Publisher website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) have greatly improved our ability to detect sexually transmitted infections, such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis infection. NAATs have revolutionized sexually transmitted disease (STD) prevention and control efforts by increasing the ease of screening populations and conducting surveillance [1]. Because of the exquisite sensitivity of these molecular-based assays, very minute amounts of target nucleic acid can be identified and amplified in clinical specimens. This analytic sensitivity allows use of urine specimens for diagnosis of cervical and urethral infections and allows female patients to self-collect urogenital specimens with vaginal swabs [2]. The transport requirements for specimens used in performance of NAATs are less demanding than those for specimens used in culture and allow for temporary storage of specimens at the point of collection. The use of NAATs has identified prevalent infections missed by traditional culture methods in anatomic sites like the oropharynx [3]. The use of NAATs has allowed for innovative public health STD screening programs to be conducted through the US mail [4] and in large institutions, such as schools and the military [5, 6].

This publication has 11 references indexed in Scilit: