Wallach's Interpretation of Diagnostic Tests: Pathways to Arriving at a Clinical Diagnosis (1336 page)

   Biopsies (lymph node, endometrium, fallopian tube, lung) may be taken. Place the biopsy specimen in a sterile container with the
Chlamydia
transport medium.

   Interpretation

   
Expected results:
No growth

   
Positive results:
Chlamydia
culture is very specific for infection caused by
C
.
trachomatis
.

   
Negative results:
Chlamydia
infection is not ruled out by a negative culture. Repeat testing, using a nucleic acid amplification test if appropriate for the site, is recommended for patients with a high suspicion for chlamydial infection.

   Limitations

   
Chlamydia
culture is intrinsically less sensitive than molecular diagnostic techniques.
Chlamydophila
species,
C
.
psittaci
, and
C
.
pneumoniae
, are not isolated by
C
.
trachomatis
culture. The following specimens are not recommended for
Chlamydia
culture:

   Peritoneal fluid

   Urethral discharge

   Urine

   Cul-de-sac fluid

   Vagina or vaginal fluid

   Throat