There are different gonorrhea tests that can be used in order to check if a person is infected with this sexually transmitted disease.
All of these tests, however, include collection and testing of fluid sample from the patient.
The sample will be checked for the bacteria.
Once you have submitted the sample, the testing and analysis are all up to the medical laboratory technician.
Discuss with your physician the kind of test that will be conducted.
Again, there are different diagnostic tests for gonorrhea.
It is a good idea to discuss with your healthcare provider the diagnostic technique that will be used.
It might be wise to know the different methods, so you can give your input as to the kind of gonorrhea test that you are most comfortable with.
You might also want to inquire about the success rate of the different techniques.
Often, physicians would use two of the testing methods in order to get the most accurate results.
Familiarize yourself with the testing methods.
Again, there are three testing methods.
The first one requires a fluid sample of the genital discharge.
This may be stained directly in order to check of the presence of the STD bacteria.
The second test also requires a fluid sample, but this time, the test involves screening for the presence of the DNA of the infectious bacteria.
The third test also requires a sample, but this time, the technician will try to grow gonorrhea bacteria culture.
The growth will determine whether or not you are infected with this sexually transmitted disease.
Other testing procedures may be employed.
For instance, your physician may use genital swabbing.
This is resorted to if there are no fluid discharges that can be collected.
This can be very uncomfortable.
Sometimes, the physician may also resort to throat swabbing.
This test is used in order to determine if antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea bacteria are present.
Prepare for your test.
If you are a woman, avoid douching if you are going to undergo gonorrhea testing.
Avoid using vaginal creams or medicines within the next 24 hours.
This will help the physician determine the presence of gonorrhea bacteria.
Do not urinate for at least an hour before your gonorrhea test.
This especially applies if you are going to submit a urine sample.
It might be wise not to drink too much liquid.
Finally, regardless of the gonorrhea test procedure that may be used, you should avoid all forms of sexual contact especially if you suspect that you have been infected with this sexually transmitted disease.