A novel gel-based method for self collection and ambient temperature postal transport of urine for PCR detection of Chlamydia trachomatis.

Bialasiewicz, S., Whiley, D. M., Buhrer-Skinner, M., Bautista, C., Barker, K., Aitken, S., Gordon, R., Muller, R., Lambert, S. B., Debattista, J., Nissen, M. D. and Sloots, T. P. (2009) A novel gel-based method for self collection and ambient temperature postal transport of urine for PCR detection of Chlamydia trachomatis.. Sexually Transmitted Infections, 85 2: 102-105.


Author Bialasiewicz, S.
Whiley, D. M.
Buhrer-Skinner, M.
Bautista, C.
Barker, K.
Aitken, S.
Gordon, R.
Muller, R.
Lambert, S. B.
Debattista, J.
Nissen, M. D.
Sloots, T. P.
Title A novel gel-based method for self collection and ambient temperature postal transport of urine for PCR detection of Chlamydia trachomatis.
Journal name Sexually Transmitted Infections  (ERA 2012 Listed)    (ERA 2010 Rank B)   Check publisher's open access policy
Publication date 2009-04
Sub-type Article
Year available 2008
DOI 10.1136/sti.2008.032607
Volume number 85
Issue number 2
ISSN 1368-4973
Start page 102
End page 105
Total pages 4
Editor Jackie Cassell
Place of publication London, England
Publisher BMJ Publishing Group
Language eng
Subject C1
060502 Infectious Agents
060503 Microbial Genetics
060506 Virology
110309 Infectious Diseases
Abstract Objectives: The aim of this study was to develop a novel urine transport method to be used in self-collection-based screening for Chlamydia trachomatis. The method needed to be suitable for C trachomatis PCR detection, be economical and suitable for transport by standard envelope mailing. Methods: An anhydrous gel composed of super-absorbent polymer and buffering agent was used to desiccate urine into a dry granulous state, which could subsequently be reconstituted upon arrival at a laboratory. DNA was then extracted from the reconstituted solution using the Roche MagNA Pure protocol for the detection of C trachomatis by PCR. Collections of urine specimens from three populations with widely differing chlamydia prevalence (100%,n = 56; 47%, n = 70; 3%, n = 97) were used. We determined the gel method’s impact on C trachomatis PCR sensitivity and specificity using neat and gel-processed urine specimens. An equine herpes virus PCR was used to test for assay inhibition. Results: Overall, the sensitivity of the gel-based method ranged from 94.6–100% compared with neat urine, with a specificity of 100%. No PCR inhibition or decrease in analytical sensitivity was observed using the gel-processed extracts. Conclusions: The gel-based method was found to be suitable for the detection of C trachomatis by PCR. In addition, its ease of use, effectiveness at ambient temperature and low cost makes it well-suited for self-collection kits used in population-based C trachomatis screening, particularly for geographically and socially isolated individuals.
Formatted abstract Objectives: The aim of this study was to develop a novel urine transport method to be used in self-collection-based screening for Chlamydia trachomatis. The method needed to be suitable for C trachomatis PCR detection, be economical and suitable for transport by standard envelope mailing.

Methods: An anhydrous gel composed of super-absorbent polymer and buffering agent was used to desiccate urine into a dry granulous state, which could subsequently be reconstituted upon arrival at a laboratory. DNA was then extracted from the reconstituted solution using the Roche MagNA Pure protocol for the detection of C trachomatis by PCR. Collections of urine specimens from three populations with widely differing chlamydia prevalence (100%,n = 56; 47%, n = 70; 3%, n = 97) were used. We determined the gel method’s impact on C trachomatis PCR sensitivity and specificity using neat and gel-processed urine specimens. An equine herpes virus PCR was used to test for assay inhibition.

Results: Overall, the sensitivity of the gel-based method ranged from 94.6–100% compared with neat urine, with a specificity of 100%. No PCR inhibition or decrease in analytical sensitivity was observed using the gel-processed extracts.

Conclusions: The gel-based method was found to be suitable for the detection of C trachomatis by PCR. In addition, its ease of use, effectiveness at ambient temperature and low cost makes it well-suited for self-collection kits used in population-based C trachomatis screening, particularly for geographically and socially isolated individuals.
Keyword Chlamydia trachomatis
Postal Survey
PCR
Self-collection kits
Urine
Neisseria-gonorrhoeae
Anhydrous gel
Q-Index Code C1
Q-Index Status Confirmed Code
Additional Notes Published Online First 12 November 2008

 
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Created: Wed, 25 Mar 2009, 13:55:28 EST by Lesley Arnicar on behalf of Clinical Medical Virology Centre