New chlamydia test offered at Ritenour

By MARY JORDAN
Collegian Staff Writer

University Health Services is offering a new test for the most common sexually transmitted disease in the nation -- the same disease Dr. Edward Rosick, doctor of osteopathy at Ritenour, said is "certainly the No. 1 STD transmitted here on campus."

The new test is for chlamydia, which affects more than 5 million people per year, according to the Center for Disease Control's World Wide Web site (www.cdc.gov). Chlamydia can have devastating effects -- such as infertility -- if not treated.

Although chlamydia is common and may have serious consequences, taking antibiotics can cure the disease.

"I wouldn't be surprised if I knew someone who had (chlamydia)," Claudia Younes (sophomore-biobehavioral health) said.

The new test, called an amplified LCX probe, offers many benefits over the old testing procedure. Previously, University Health Services offered a swab test, in which a cotton tip was inserted into the cervix or urethra.

The new test, which requires a urine analysis, is easier to perform but takes longer to obtain results. Patients must now wait five to seven days after the test instead of the three-day wait for swab results.

Rosick also said the new test is more sensitive and more accurate than the swab test. The swab test can be less accurate in males because it is difficult to get a good sample. Because the new test is easier on patients, Rosick said he hopes more students will be tested and receive treatment.

Karen Burke-Crawford, director of education and community affairs at Family Health Services Inc. in Bellefonte, said her clinic also offers chlamydia testing.

Because the clinic specializes in women's health, it performs free swab tests for women under the age of 30. The clinic charges $40 for men of all ages.

The cost of the amplified LCX probe test at Ritenour is $35 and the swab test costs between $20 and $25. However, Rosick said, because of the increased convenience of the new test, he has heard no complaints about the higher cost.

Rosick recommended students get tested whenever they are with a new partner, especially if they are having unprotected sex.

"It's not something that shows up immediately and you know you have it," he said.

Students also may want to get tested if they experience the following symptoms: