STD Diagnostic Panel

The STD Diagnostic Panel is a comprehensive PCR-based molecular test that simultaneously detects three major sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Chlamydia trachomatis, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), and Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). By directly identifying the genetic material (DNA) of these pathogens, the test offers high sensitivity and specificity, allowing accurate detection even when symptoms are mild or absent.

The panel detects Chlamydia trachomatis, a common bacterial STI that is often asymptomatic; identifies and types HPV, including high-risk strains such as HPV 16 and 18 associated with cervical and other anogenital cancers; and differentiates between HSV-1 and HSV-2, providing clinically important information for diagnosis, treatment, and counselling. Together, these components offer a convenient and comprehensive assessment of sexual health.

Who Should Get This Test Done?

This test may be recommended if individuals:

●     Have genital symptoms such as unusual discharge, ulcers, sores, blisters, burning during urination, or unexplained pelvic pain suggestive of a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

●     Have been diagnosed with one STI and require screening for additional co-existing infections.

●     Have had unprotected sex, multiple sexual partners, or exposure to a partner diagnosed with Chlamydia, HPV, HSV, or another STI.

●     Have an abnormal Pap smear, require HPV testing as part of cervical cancer screening, or need confirmation and typing of recurrent genital herpes infections.

●     Are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or undergoing a pre-marital or pre-conception health evaluation and require comprehensive STI screening.

Why Consider This Test?

Many STIs, particularly Chlamydia and HPV, can remain asymptomatic for long periods while still causing significant health complications. Untreated Chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy, while persistent infection with high-risk HPV types is the leading cause of cervical cancer.

Identifying the specific HPV type helps assess cancer risk and determine the need for follow-up investigations such as colposcopy. Similarly, distinguishing between HSV-1 and HSV-2 is clinically valuable because HSV-2 is generally associated with more frequent genital recurrences and a higher risk of transmission.

By combining all three tests into a single PCR panel, this assay provides rapid, accurate, and comprehensive STI detection, enabling timely treatment and informed clinical decision-making.

More Information

The panel is performed on a swab sample collected from the appropriate anatomical site, such as the cervix, vagina, urethra, or a genital lesion, depending on the patient’s symptoms and clinical indication. Sample collection is simple and minimally invasive. Patients are generally advised to avoid douching, vaginal medications, or topical genital preparations before sample collection, as these may affect specimen quality.

Results typically include:

●     Chlamydia trachomatis DNA – Detected or Not Detected

●     HPV DNA – Detected or Not Detected, with HPV type identification where applicable

●     HSV-1 DNA – Detected or Not Detected

●     HSV-2 DNA – Detected or Not Detected

Other Names

●     STI Diagnostic Panel

●     Sexually Transmitted Infection PCR Panel

●     Chlamydia, HPV and HSV Molecular Panel

●     Sexual Health DNA Detection Panel

●     STD Molecular Screening Panel

●     Genital Infection PCR Panel

●     Chlamydia and Herpes PCR with HPV Typing

●     STI Nucleic Acid Amplification Panel

●     Comprehensive STD PCR Test