Gram's Stain for Gonorrhea (NG)
A rapid, traditional microscopic test used to visually detect the presence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria in symptomatic patients.
* Turnaround Time applies to Lab Visits only. Home/Hotel Collections require additional processing time.
Disease Overview
Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It typically infects the mucous membranes of the reproductive tract. Symptoms often include a thick yellowish-green discharge and a severe burning sensation during urination. Under a microscope, these bacteria appear as distinct pink/red "Gram-negative intracellular diplococci" (pairs of coffee-bean shaped cells inside white blood cells).
Detection Rate & Accuracy
The accuracy of a Gram's stain is highly dependent on gender and symptoms:
- Symptomatic Men: High sensitivity (>90%). It is a reliable, rapid diagnostic tool if clear urethral discharge is present.
- Women & Asymptomatic Men: Poor sensitivity (often below 50%). Normal vaginal flora can obscure the view, making it unreliable for ruling out gonorrhea in women.
Sample Requirement & Collection
Important: Urine cannot be used for a Gram's stain. The bacteria must be collected directly from the site of infection using a sterile swab.
For Men (Urethral Swab)
A thin mini-tip swab is inserted 2-3 cm into the urethra and gently rotated to collect exudate (discharge). If visible discharge is present at the tip of the penis, this can be swabbed directly.
For Women (Endocervical Swab)
Requires a clinical pelvic examination. A speculum is used to visualize the cervix, and a sterile swab is used to collect discharge directly from the cervical canal.
Why NAAT/PCR is Better Than Gram's Stain
While the Gram's stain is a cheap and fast presumptive test for symptomatic men, global health guidelines now recommend Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NAAT/PCR) as the absolute gold standard for diagnosing Gonorrhea.
| Feature | Gram's Stain (Rs 1,000) | NAAT / PCR (Rs 6,000) |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Visual identification via microscope | Detects bacterial DNA directly |
| Sample Type | Requires invasive Urethral/Cervical Swab | Simple First-catch Urine allowed |
| Asymptomatic Detection | Very Poor | Excellent (Near 100%) |
| Accuracy in Women | Unreliable (Normal flora interferes) | Gold Standard |
| Reports In (Turnaround Time) | 2 - 6 Hours | Same Day (Usually 6-8 Hours) |
Looking for maximum accuracy or want to provide a urine sample instead of a swab?
View Gonorrhea NAAT Test