Getting tested for sexually transmitted diseases just got easier for ASU students, thanks to a new procedure at the ASU Student Health Center.
The new procedure uses DNA to check for chlamydia and gonorrhea. While the old tests consisted of a pelvic exam for women and a swab test for men, only a urine sample is needed from both men and women for the new test.
Mary Rimsza, director of the ASU Student Health Center, said the new procedure would be more convenient and comfortable for students.
“It [the test] is 20 to 30 percent more sensitive than the tests we used to use,” Rimsza said.
The new procedure became available to students on Monday.
Last year, the health center reported 50 cases of chlamydia in females with no symptoms, said Gary Septon, chief of medical services at the ASU Student Health Center. He expects the new test to double the number of students testing positive for chlamydia.
Only one female student out of the 3,000 screened tested positive for gonorrhea last year. Septon said a person is unlikely to test positive for gonorrhea without previous exposure to the disease or exhibiting symptoms.
The one female who tested positive last year had already had the disease. Four male students tested positive for gonorrhea due to symptoms.
Septon said the new test would be beneficial because it is much more accurate and less invasive.
“The test should not deter males from coming in like the old one did in the past,” Septon said.
The new test is $32 for students. This is more expensive than the old one, which was $25, Septon said.
“The test costs a little more but not that much more for what you get out of it,” he said. Septon said even though chlamydia is not often diagnosed, the disease needs to be checked for because it could lead to serious problems, such as infertility, if left untreated.
Getting tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is a common reason that students go to the health center, Rimsza said.
“Not as many students get tested than are worried about it [STD],” she said. Rimsza said she hopes the new test will encourage students to come in and get tested if they have worries.
Reach Jennifer Voges at jennyvoges@hotmail.com.
