Chlamydia Rapid Test (Cassette) (Female) description:

Los Angeles based Diagnostic Automation/Cortez Diagnostics, Inc. offers a OneStep Chlamydia RapiCard™ InstaTest which is a rapid immunoassay for direct qualitative detection of Chlamydia trachomatis antigen in endocervical or endourethral swab specimens.  The Chlamydia Rapid Test is a meaningful test for point-of-care diagnosis of a chlamydia infection.  This Chlamydia Rapid Test is a quick, simple, and non-invasive test for use on female patients only.

 

The Chlamydia Rapid Test utilizes the chemical extraction of a carbohydrate antigen from chlamydia followed by the utilization of migratory color immunoassay technology for the qualitative detection of Chlamydia trachomatis. In the Chlamydia Rapid test procedure, a unique set of polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies are reemployed. On the Chlamydia Rapid Test, one antibody is immobilized on a porous membrane while the other antibody is conjugated to dye particles as signaling component. A swab specimen from a patient is treated with extraction reagent A and B to extract the antigen.  The Chlamydia rapid test dipstick is then immersed in the extraction sample. The liquid migrates through the absorbent area and along the membrane on the Chlamydia rapid test.  If Chlamydia trachomatis antigen is present on the Chlamydia rapid test, the labeled antibody-dye conjugate binds to it, forming an antibody-antigen complex. As the mixture flows along the membrane of the Chlamydia rapid test, the complex is captured by the antibody immobilized in the test zone (T) of the membrane, producing a visible rose-pink color band. Another dye-conjugated reagent on the Chlamydia rapid test is captured by the antibody immobilized in the control zone (C) of the membrane. A rose-pink line in the Chlamydia rapid test zone ( T ) indicates the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis antigen. A rose-pink line in the control zone (C) indicates the Chlamydia rapid test is working properly. When only a control line appears with no test line, Chlamydia trachomatis antigen has not been detected and the Chlamydia rapid test result is considered negative. The control line on the Chlamydia rapid test gives an added measure of quality control by demonstrating antibody recognition, assuring that the Chlamydia rapid test procedure was performed correctly, and that the Chlamydia rapid test reagents are chemically active. A desiccant is enclosed with the Chlamydia rapid test device to stabilize the reactive agents.

 

Application of this easy-to-use Chlamydia Rapid Test to detect chlamydia trachomatis antigen is important in certifying chlamydia infection.  Chlamydia trachomatis is one of the most common sexually transmitted pathogens. In the majority of cases, the disease is asymptomatic in both men and women. For women, chlamydia is a major cause of cervicitis, urethritis, endometritis, and pelvic inflammatory disease. Serious complications can result in salpingitis, finfertility, and ectopic pregnancy.  If transmitted to infants during birth, chlamydia can cause conjunctivitis and pneumonia.  Fifty to seventy percent of infected women are asymptomatic, which makes diagnosis extremely important. Chlamydia are related to gram-negative bacteria. They are intracellular in nature and are unable to synthesize adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The extracellular elementary body form is infectious while the intracellular reticulate form is metabolically active.  Epidemiological patterns indicate infections of Chlamydia trachomatis parallel or exceed those of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and the two often occur together. The disease cuts across the socioeconomic spectrum. The primary method for detection of chlamydia is growth of the organism in cell culture. Other methods besides the use of this Chlamydia rapid test, include direct fluorescence assays (DFA), enzyme immunoassays (EIA), and nucleic acid probing.

 

The OneStep Chlamydia RapiCardTM InstaTest contains built-in quality control features. The development of a rose-pink band in the control zone on the Chlamydia rapid test indicates that the sample has been absorbed into the device, that capillary flow has occurred, and that antibody reactivity is at normal level.  If the Chlamydia rapid test device is working properly, the background in the reaction area will be clear, providing a distinct result.  The availability of Chlamydia rapid test results within an hour allows for immediate treatment and contact tracing, potentially reducing the risks for persistent infection and onward transmission. The Chlamydia rapid test can also provide a simple and reliable alternative to nucleic acid amplification assays for testing of male urine in chlamydial screening programs.

Diagnostic Automation/Cortez Diagnostics offers two formats of the Chlamydia Rapid Test.  This Chlamydia Rapid Test contains components for female patients only, and the other Chlamydia Rapid Test contains components for males only; otherwise, the tests are the same.  For more information regarding these Chlamydia Rapid Tests, please contact our Customer Service department.  These Chlamydia Rapid Tests are available in cassette format only.