Chlamydia Test False Negatives: Urethral & Urine Tests Explained

Can a urethral swab test for chlamydia be false negative?

Yes, a urethral swab test for chlamydia can be false negative. The sensitivity of a urethral swab test for chlamydia is approximately 95%, which means that there is a 5% chance that a person who has chlamydia will test negative on the swab test.

Can a urine test for chlamydia be false negative?

Yes, a urine test for chlamydia can also be false negative. The sensitivity of a urine test for chlamydia is approximately 85%, which means that there is a 15% chance that a person who has chlamydia will test negative on the urine test.

What is the percentage chance of both tests being false negative?

The probability of both the urethral swab test and the urine test being false negative is approximately 2.25% (0.05 * 0.15). This means that there is a 2.25% chance that a person who has chlamydia will test negative on both tests.

What should I do if I have tested negative for chlamydia but I think I might have it?

If you have tested negative for chlamydia but you think you might have it, you should talk to your doctor. Your doctor may recommend repeating the test or performing a different test to confirm the diagnosis.