TABLE 1.

Recommended testing methods for most relevant sexually transmitted urethritis pathogens.

Pathogen/specimen type	Microscopy	Culture	NAATs
Neisseria gonorrhoeae	After staining with methylene blue or Gram stain	Inevitable for antimicrobial resistance testing	Recommended test of choice
First void urine	−	−	+
Urethral swab	+	+	+
Serology	Not recommended
Chlamydia trachomatis	Intracellular bacterium, impossible	Only if NAATs are not available	Recommended test of choice
First void urine	−	−	+
Urethral swab	−	±	+
Serology	Not recommended as only invasive CT infections might lead to detectable levels of antibodies
Mycoplasma genitalium	No cell wall, impossible	Slow growing, would take 6 months	Only recommended test of choice
First void urine	−	−	+
Urethral swab	−	−	+
Serology	Not recommended, cross reactivity