While working in a sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic, the nurse should be aware that which of the following diagnostic tools are available for diagnosing chlamydial infections? Select all that apply.
A) Gram stain where polymorphonuclear leukocytes are identified
B) Direct fluorescent antibody testing
C) Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
D) Western blot testing
E) Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Diagnosis of chlamydial infections takes several forms. The identification of polymorphonuclear leukocytes on Gram stain of penile discharge in the man or cervical discharge in the woman provides presumptive evidence. The direct fluorescent antibody test and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay that use antibodies against an antigen in the Chlamydia cell wall are rapid tests that are highly sensitive and specific. Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) do not require viable organisms for detection and can produce a positive signal from as little as a single copy of the target DNA or RNA. Western blot is used to verify HIV after a positive ELISA result for HIV.

While Working in a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Clinic, the Nurse