False Negative NAAT Chlamydia

[Concerned3763]

Hi everyone,

I have bipolar disorder and went through a bit of a manic patch last year where I had unprotected oral multiple times, and 3 instances of protected sex with sex workers.

I was tested for all STIs including HIV, syphilis, hepatitis, chlamydia and gonorrhea back in December and all tests came back negative.

I then panicked and was tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea again using urine NAAT in May and also again last week.

Both tests also came back negative.

Unfortunately I’ve just learned that I’ve been taking the NAAT test incorrectly and using a mid-stream catch instead of first void, and also adding greater than 60ml of urine in the cup

What I’m wondering is, would there be a chance that this would cause false negative? Or false negative 3 times for that matter?

Any advice would help!

Thanks!

[auntiejessi]

It's possible, but especially your test last week, and even in May, you would have a strong enough infection that I can't imagine it would matter. There would be enough bacteria present that it would be present in more than just the first part of your urine stream.

Have you had symptoms?

Your only real risk here is the unprotected oral, and that's much lower risk than actual intercourse. If you can't let it go, then do a final test for gonorrhea and chlamydia, and do a first catch (the first part of your urine stream), and then let it go. I don't think it's necessary, but understand the need to do it for peace of mind.

[Concerned3763]

Thanks so much for your reply! That’s what I’m hoping as well. I don’t currently have symptoms. Back in December I had one week where it hurt a bit to pee. Didn’t “burn” but kind of felt like something was restricted. Then in may I had one day where there was some clear, watery discharge that prompted me to get the test.

[auntiejessi]

If you had an STD, the symptoms wouldn't have just disappeared after a week. Perhaps you had some irritation from something that caused those symptoms. Lots of things can cause that - too much caffeine or alcohol and not enough water is usually the main one.

Clear, watery discharge is not normally cause for alarm. As long as it's not yellow or green, or mucusy, it's not usually cause for concern.

[Concerned3763]

Thank you AuntieJessie. Your comments are reassuring. I just went and submitted another urine sample, this time first catch. I will find out the results on Friday if I don’t go insane with worry by then and will give an update.

Again, really appreciate your responses!

[auntiejessi]

You're welcome. I'm sure you'll be fine, but look forward to your update. Hang in there!