T101. The Multi-tasking Specimen Type: Molecular Testing for STDs from Liquid-Based PAP Specimens
Date: September 15, 2010
Speaker: Mindy Nye

Summary of Session: Liquid-based Pap specimens are used for diagnosis of some sexually transmitted diseases in women. The performance of such specimens will be presented and the advantages and disadvantages will discussed.

Objectives: Upon completion of this Teleconference, participants should be able to:

• Explain why liquid-based Pap collection can be desirable for STD testing.
• List relevant sexually-transmitted pathogens for which liquid-based Pap specimens may be used for diagnosis of infection.
• Describe why molecular methods may permit use of more diverse specimen types than culture methods.
• Evaluate performance characteristics to determine whether the liquid-based Pap specimen is a desirable specimen type.

Intended Audience: This teleconference is intended for Division C: clinical microbiologists, at many levels, interested in molecular or STD testing.

CME Disclosures: The Presenter has nothing to disclose.

Termination of CME Credit: This program will not be eligible for CME credit after September 15, 2011