Gonorrhea

A common STI caused by the bacteria "Neisseria gonorrhoeae." While many men exhibit symptoms of a gonorrheal infection, women usually do not. When gonorrhea symptoms do occur, they include pain or burning during urination and a yellowish discharge. Gonorrhea can be treated with antibiotics, but if left untreated, can cause severe complications. TEST PREPARATION: Urine Specimen: The patient should not have urinated for at least two hours prior to specimen collection. Be prepared to submit at least 60 mL (~2 fl oz) of urine. Excessive hydration may result in specimen dilution that can reduce test sensitivity; lesser volumes may not adequately rinse organisms into the specimen. Female patients should not cleanse the labial area prior to providing the specimen. [LC 188086]