Chlamydia Test - Price, Purpose, Procedure Reports, & More

Introduction to the Chlamydia Test

Chlamydia trachomatis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that often goes undiagnosed due to its asymptomatic nature. In India, studies suggest its prevalence ranges from 2.7% to 81%. The prevalence varies by age and location and is highest in younger women.

Chlamydia trachomatis causes this bacterial infection. In its initial stages, it often has no symptoms, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. A chlamydia test is important for early diagnosis, timely treatment, and prevention of severe complications.

If you experience symptoms of a bacterial infection or your healthcare professional suggests the chlamydia test, book it with us and avail yourself of the benefit of sample collection from the comfort of your home.

Test Details in Brief 

What is Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection? 

Chlamydia trachomatis is one of the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) worldwide, transmitted through oral, vaginal, or anal sex. This bacterial infection is mainly common in sexually active people younger than the age of 25. Pregnant women with chlamydia can pass the infection to their newborns, potentially causing pneumonia or eye infections. 

Although highly treatable, chlamydia often remains undiagnosed because of its asymptomatic nature in many cases. Early testing and treatment can help prevent complications, such as infertility, chronic pelvic pain, and high vulnerability to other infections. 

In the early stage, chlamydia trachomatis infection causes a few symptoms and affects mostly young women. But it can also occur in men and women and all age groups. 

Symptoms of Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection 

Some people may be asymptomatic, while some may experience symptoms. If you experience any of the following symptoms, consult a healthcare professional. 

1. Unusual fluid discharge from your rectum or genitals
2. Irritation or itching around your genitals
3. Pain or bleeding in your rectum 
4. Pain or swelling in one or both testicles (in men).
5. Pain or burning sensation while urinating
6. Pain during sex 
7. Vaginal bleeding between periods or after intercourse

What is the Purpose of the Chlamydia Test? 

A chlamydia test checks for the bacteria that cause chlamydia through the IgM antibodies present in your blood. The test detects IgM antibodies in your blood to determine whether you have a chlamydia infection, even if you do not show symptoms. 

If you are pregnant and have chlamydia, you can transfer the infection to your baby during childbirth. It can cause pneumonia and eye problems in babies. The test can help find the disease early so that you can get treatment before you develop severe health problems or spread the disease to others. 

What is the Chlamydia Test Used For? 

The chlamydia test is used to detect the infection causing STI. This disease can infect the rectum, urethra, or the cervix. It can also transfer to the throat through oral sex, leading to abnormal discharge from the vagina and penis, itching, and burning sensations while having sex or urinating. All in all, the test is beneficial for sexually active individuals. 

The test can also be useful to:

1. Diagnose- The test is useful for diagnosing the infection, especially in people with symptoms. 
2. Prevent Complication- Early detection can protect the health of the mother and baby. 
3. Confirm the Test Results—Sometimes, the chlamydia test can confirm the results. 
4. As a Routine Checkup- Experts recommend adding the test as a part of a routine checkup. This can reduce the risk of further complications. 
5. Plan for Treatment- The test can help plan for the treatment process. 

What are the Benefits of the Chlamydia Test? 

Here are the benefits of booking the chlamydia test from Redcliffe Labs. 

• It can prevent future complications. 
• It can reduce transmission of the infection. 
• It can protect against pregnancy-related complications.
• It can promote awareness and encourage safer sexual behavior
• It can provide reassurance or peace of mind for people and couples. 
• It can protect against infertility and other reproductive issues. 
• Accurate diagnostics help monitor and reduce STI prevalence. 
• It can reduce the risk of severe reproductive health issues. 

Who is at the High Risk of Chlamydia Infection? 

The following are some people who are at high risk of chlamydia infection. 

1. If you are sexually active, especially if you are under 25 or have multiple partners. 
2. If you’re pregnant
3. If you have HIV. 
4. If you are a sexually active gay or bisexual individual. 
5. If you are a heterosexual (straight) man. 
6. If you live in a place where there are higher rates of infections. 
7. If your partner has an STI. 
8. If you plan to have sex with a new partner or have more than one partner.
9. If you’re not using a condom or incorrect condom use. 
10. If you use health services to prevent and treat STIs. 
11. If you have new or multiple sex partners without prior STI testing.

Preparation for the Chlamydia Test 

Our certified phlebotomists ensure a seamless sample collection process. The chlamydia test requires no special preparations. However, after analyzing your health, a healthcare professional may suggest fasting. It is advisable to not take any over-the-counter medications without consulting with your doctor first. 

How do you book the Chlamydia Test from Redcliffe Labs? 

It takes only a minute to book an affordable chlamydia test from India’s leading diagnostic laboratory, Redcliffe Labs. You can book it through our website or mobile application, which is available on both the Play Store and the App Store. Search ‘Redcliffe Labs near me’ and call or visit our nearest lab. 

Follow the steps below to book it from our website/ mobile app. 

• Visit www.redcliffelabs.com or download our mobile application. 
• Search for the test you need. 
• Fill out the necessary details: name, preferred slot, address, and contact number. 
• Make the payment. 
• You will receive a confirmation through SMS or WhatsApp. 

The Procedure of the Chlamydia Test 

After booking the chlamydia test, a phlebotomist will visit your home for the sample collection. The procedure they will follow includes:

• Tie a tourniquet on your upper arm.
• Clean the site with an alcoholic substance to prevent infections. 
• Insert a sterile syringe to collect the required blood sample. 
• On the punctured site, they will put a cotton swab to prevent excessive bleeding. 
• Transfer the collected blood into a test tube for testing. 
• Label the test tube with your details, such as name, time, and date of sample collection. 
• You will receive your reports within four days after the sample collection. 

Risks Associated With the Chlamydia Test 

Since the chlamydia test detects IgM antibodies in the blood, it may pose minor risks, including:

• Mild pain at the injection site
• Bruising at the puncture site
• Temporary weakness
• Feeling lightheaded
• Hematoma 

What Do the Chlamydia Test Reports Indicate?

The chlamydia test reports will be sent to you within 4 days. The results may indicate positive or negative results. 

• Negative Result- A negative result indicates the absence of a chlamydia infection. However, a doctor may recommend further testing for confirmation.
• Positive Result- A positive result confirms chlamydia infection, requiring immediate medical treatment.

Factors that can affect the Chlamydia Test results 

The following are the factors that can affect the chlamydia test results. 

• Age 
• Gender 
• Health History 
• Any recent antibiotic use may lead to false negatives.
• Testing too soon after exposure may not detect the infection. 
• Insufficient or contaminated sample collection. To Prevent this risk, book the chlamydia test with Redcliffe Labs. Our certified phlebotomists perform a smooth and safe sample collection procedure. 

What If the Chlamydia Test Reports are Positive? 

If your chlamydia test is positive, take the following steps immediately.

• Inform your partner and encourage them to take the test and treatment. 
• Avoid sexual activity until treatment is complete and follow-up tests confirm the infection. 
• Get retested after three months to confirm that the infection has cleared. 

According to the CDC, you should take the test every three months to ensure you aren't being reinfected with the bacteria. Reinfection can happen if your sex partners aren't treated or if new sex partners have the bacteria.

Is There a Need for a Follow-Up? 

You should take a follow-up test if your results are negative but your symptoms persist. If symptoms don’t go away after treatment, consult your doctor. You can ask them about getting regular screenings to check for STIs.

For further clarification, you should ask the following questions to your doctor. 

• Do I have any other STDs? 
• Do you need any treatment based on your results? 
• When should you be tested for STDs, and how often? 

Treatment for the Chlamydia Infection

Antibiotics can cure the infection. But, if it's not treated, it can cause serious, lasting problems. A healthcare professional may prescribe you a medicine for seven days or be given a one-time dose. The infection usually clears up within 1 to 2 weeks after starting antibiotics, but you may still be contagious initially. So, avoid sexual contact from the beginning of the treatment until all your symptoms are gone.

Complications Associated with the Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection

If left untreated, bacterial infections can cause more serious health problems and can infect the eyes, rectum, or throat. 

• In women- It can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which may damage the female reproductive system and may cause infertility. 
• In men- It can cause swelling and pain in the tubes that carry sperm out of the testicles. It can also cause infertility problems.

Other complications of Chlamydia Trachomatis infection include:

1. Infection in newborns
2. Infertility 
3. Reactive arthritis 
4. Prostate gland infection
5. Infection near the testicles 
6. Ectopic Pregnancy
7. Infection near the testicles

3 Tips to Prevent The Spread of Chlamydia Infection

The following are the tips to prevent the spread of chlamydia infection.

• Maintain a mutually monogamous relationship with a tested partner. 
• Get regular screenings to check for chlamydia and other sexually transmitted infections. 
• Use protection (condom) every time you have sex. 
• Doxycycline is a preventive treatment option for chlamydia in sexually active individuals. Consult a doctor for the appropriate dosage.
• Maintain your vaginal health through gentle hygiene practices. 

Chlamydia Test Price @ Redcliffe Labs 

Redcliffe Labs offers the chlamydia test at an affordable price. We believe quality diagnostics are the right of every individual, and we adhere to that belief. Therefore, we offer a reasonable chlamydia test price with a home sample collection, making diagnostics affordable and accessible to every Indian. So, take control of your health today and book your Chlamydia test with Redcliffe Labs for early detection and peace of mind.