The Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Laboratory performs Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NAAT) for the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Trichomonas vaginalis. This technology uses the FDA- approved Hologic Panther automated Direct Tube System (DTS), which increases testing capacity, decreases specimen contamination, and generates more accurate results with increased sensitivity and specificity. Syphilis serology screening and confirmatory testing are also performed. The STD Laboratory is a key partner and provides testing for the CDC’s Infertility Prevention Program.
The Tuberculosis (TB) Laboratory performs mycobacterial culture and identification of clinical sputum samples to detect active infection with tuberculosis as well as other common non-tuberculous mycobacteria species. The laboratory also performs Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing for positive TB cultures to detect drug resistance and improve patient treatment outcomes. Quantiferon (QFT) testing services are available to clinics as an alternative to the current method of testing for latent TB infection (LTBI), the Mantoux tuberculin skin test (TST). This technology offers significant improvement in specificity and sensitivity, decreasing the number of false positives that can lead to misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment for the patient.
