N. Gonorrhoea Bacterial Load Test
Short Name: NG Bacterial Load
Also known as: Gonorrhea PCR, NG PCR, Gonococcal bacterial load
N. Gonorrhoea Bacterial Load Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹8,500. Uses Real Time PCR on Urethral swab, vaginal swab, cervical swab, urine, blood, rectal swab, throat swab samples. Results in Reports are available on the 4th working day. You will receive an email notification within 48 hours and a phone call within 36 hours after the report is ready.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr Kothari Ramesh Shantilal
Consultant Microbiologist · Reg: 27670
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
The purpose of this test is to detect the presence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and quantify its bacterial load in the body. This aids in confirming active infection, assessing severity, and monitoring response to antibiotic therapy. It is particularly useful in symptomatic individuals, high-risk groups, and those with suspected treatment failure.
- Test Code
- 6216
- CPT Code
- 87591
- ICD Code
- A54.0
- Price
- ₹8,500
- Sample Type
- Urethral swab, vaginal swab, cervical swab, urine, blood, rectal swab, throat swab
- Result Time
- Reports are available on the 4th working day. You will receive an email notification within 48 hours and a phone call within 36 hours after the report is ready.
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- Real Time PCR
Sample Collection
No fasting required. Avoid urinating for at least 1 hour before urine collection. For swab collection, avoid using vaginal creams, douches, or lubricants for 24 hours prior. Inform your doctor about any antibiotics taken in the last 2 weeks.
Method: Swab or urine collection by trained phlebotomist
Laboratory Analysis
A healthcare professional will collect the sample using a sterile swab from the appropriate site (urethra, cervix, rectum, throat) or a urine sample. The procedure is quick and may cause mild discomfort.
Report Delivery
No special precautions needed. You may resume normal activities immediately. Results will be available within 4 working days.
Timeline: Reports are available on the 4th working day. You will receive an email notification within 48 hours and a phone call within 36 hours after the report is ready.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The purpose of this test is to detect the presence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and quantify its bacterial load in the body. This aids in confirming active infection, assessing severity, and monitoring response to antibiotic therapy. It is particularly useful in symptomatic individuals, high-risk groups, and those with suspected treatment failure.
How to Prepare
- For urine: collect first-void urine (first stream) in a sterile container
- For swab: use the provided sterile swab; insert into the site as instructed by the healthcare professional
- Ensure the sample is labeled correctly with your name and date of birth
- Transport the sample to the lab as soon as possible; if delayed, refrigerate at 2-8°C for up to 24 hours
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Kothari Ramesh Shantilal — MBBS, MD (Microbiology) · Reg. No. 27670
"Early detection of N. gonorrhoeae is critical to prevent complications like pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. This quantitative PCR test helps guide targeted antibiotic therapy."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Sample received in inappropriate container or with incorrect labeling
- Sample leaking or contaminated
- Urine sample not first-void or collected after antibiotic use
- Swab dry or not placed in transport medium
- Sample stored at room temperature for more than 24 hours
Understanding Your Results
No evidence of N. gonorrhoeae infection. If symptoms persist, consider other STIs or repeat testing after 2 weeks.
Clinical action: No antibiotic treatment for gonorrhoea; evaluate other causes.
Active infection with low organism burden. May be early infection or partially treated.
Clinical action: Treat with appropriate antibiotics as per guidelines; consider test of cure after 2 weeks.
Active infection with high organism burden. Likely symptomatic and highly contagious.
Clinical action: Immediate antibiotic therapy; partner notification and screening for other STIs.
Consult a physician immediately if you experience symptoms such as painful urination, unusual discharge, pelvic pain, or if you have had unprotected sex with a partner who tested positive for gonorrhoea. Early treatment prevents complications.
Limitations
- ⚠PCR detects DNA, which may persist after successful treatment; cannot distinguish live from dead bacteria
- ⚠Quantitative bacterial load may not correlate directly with disease severity in all cases
- ⚠Negative result does not rule out infection if sample collection was inadequate
- ⚠Test does not provide antibiotic susceptibility information; culture may be needed for resistance testing
Risks & Considerations
- ●Minimal risk of infection or bleeding at the collection site
- ●Mild discomfort during swab collection
- ●No significant systemic risks associated with the test
Interfering Factors
- ●Recent use of antibiotics before sample collection may reduce bacterial load and cause false negatives
- ●Contamination of sample with other organisms or improper collection technique
- ●Urine sample collected less than 1 hour after urination may dilute bacterial load
- ●Swab not reaching the correct anatomical site (e.g., cervical vs. vaginal)
- ●Sample transport delay or improper storage conditions
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | N. Gonorrhoea Bacterial Load Test | Gonorrhoea Culture | Gram Stain | NAAT (PCR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | N. Gonorrhoea Bacterial Load Test |
Frequently Asked Questions
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