The use of urine and self-obtained vaginal swabs for the diagnosis of sexually transmitted diseases

Studies have reported that self-collected specimens, such as urine or vaginal swabs, can be successfully used to diagnose sexually transmitted infections when they are used with nucleic acid amplification assays. This eliminates the necessity for a clinician-performed pelvic examination for women, or a urethral swab for men, for sample collection. These nucleic acid amplification assays used with selfcollected specimens are highly sensitive and specific, and their use may be extended to broad nonclinic screening venues, where their use can augment public health programs designed to control the epidemic of sexually transmitted diseases.