Completeness and timeliness of treatment for chlamydia within a sexual health service

Prompt treatment of genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection will reduce the duration of infectiousness and further transmission of infection. In 2002, an audit was conducted to assess the completeness and timeliness of treatment for uncomplicated chlamydial infection at the Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Australia. Over a nine-month period, chlamydia was diagnosed in 250 patients, 97% of whom received appropriate treatment. The median duration between initial attendance and treatment was two days. Prompt delivery of treatment was facilitated by: initial treatment of patients likely to be chlamydia-infected; rapid availability of test results; urgent communication of positive test results; and effective procedures for recalling untreated patients.