Chlamydia: How effective is screening young people?

A new study published by the BMJ shows that the UK’s national screening programme for chlamydia which started in 2000, and aimed to test all 16-24 year olds, has meant a significant decreased in the prevalence of the infection.

In 2000, 4.5% of 16-24 year olds were found to have chlamydia when they were tested – this included testing people who were not showing any symptoms (asymptomatic).  In 2010-11 the incidences of chlamydia were 28% lower.  The national screening programme is thought to cover 35% of the 16-24 year olds in the UK.  The study says that if this could increase to 45%, then a further reduction of 2.4% should be possible.

Better2Know tests for Chlamydia alongside gonorrhoea in all of our STD clinics across the UK.  All you need to do is give a small sample of urine, and your results will be available just two days after the sample is received in the laboratory.