<< Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: Diagnosis and Treatment in the Emergency Department (Pharmacology CME)

Diagnostic Studies

Reflecting the finding that no laboratory or imaging study has a sensitivity or specificity for ruling in or ruling out the diagnosis of PID, the CDC diagnostic criteria for PID are not based on laboratory testing or imaging studies.¹¹ However, there are several tests that should be routinely ordered for patients suspected of having PID. (See Table 3.)

Laboratory Testing

A pregnancy test, a N gonorrhoeae/C trachomatis nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT), and a vaginal wet mount should be routinely sent in a patient with potential PID. These tests are directed at either identifying an associated pathogen or identifying signs of lower genital tract inflammation. Although not definitive, these tests can modify your suspicion of PID.

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