Chlamydia trachomatis, the most commonly sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the United States, is most prevalent among adolescent women (15 to 19 years of age) and women in early adulthood (20 to 24 years of age).  Early detection of Chlamydia infection can prevent pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, and ectopic pregnancy, all of which occur far more frequently among women with untreated Chlamydia infections.  The risk factors for HIV infection closely resemble the risk factors for Chlamydia infection, and untreated Chlamydia infection increases the risk of HIV transmission.  Frequent Chlamydia screening is recommended for HIV-infected women.

Formula: The number of female patients/clients with at least one HIV primary care visit in the past 12 months who also had a documented Chlamydia test (urine test for Chlamydia, a DNA probe, or Direct Fluorescent Antibody slide) in the past 12 months. Divide by the number of female patients with at least one HIV primary care visit in the past 12 months. Multiply by 100 to calculate percent.

More than 80 percent of female patients/clients will have a documented Chlamydia test in the past 12 months.  This includes patients whose Chlamydia status was tested by means of a urine test, a DNA probe, or Direct Fluorescent Antibody slide.

Analyze data monthly (or at the frequency established for your quality improvement effort). First, select a sample of female patients/clients with at least one HIV primary care visit in the past 12 months. Count the patients in that sample with a documented Chlamydia test (urine test for Chlamydia, a DNA probe or a Direct Fluorescent Antibody slide) in the last 12 months. Divide by the number of patients with at least one HIV primary care visit in the past 12 months. Multiply by 100 to calculate percent.

The National HIVQUAL Project’s Minimum Sample Table will help you determine the number of records to include in your sample. The Research Randomize can generate a random number series to help you select which records to review.