chlamydia can be detected on material collected by swabbing the cervix during a traditional examination using a speculum but noninvasive screening tests done on urine or on self-collected vaginal swabs are less expensive and sometimes more acceptable to patients. while culturing of the organism can confirm the diagnosis this method is limited to research laboratories and forensic investigations. for routine diagnostic use newer and inexpensive diagnostic tests that depend upon identification and amplification of the genetic material of the organism have replaced the older time-consuming culture methods.
how is chlamydia diagnosed?