A retrospective cross-sectional study of patients treated in US EDs and ambulatory care clinics with sexually transmitted infections from 2001 to 2010.

Introduction: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are commonly seen in the ambulatory health care settings such as emergency departments (EDs) and outpatient clinics. Our objective was to assess trends over time in the incidence and demographics of STIs seen in the ED and outpatient clinics compared with office-based clinics using the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey.

Methods: This study was conducted using 10 years of National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey data (2001-2010).

A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing the Treatment of Patients Tested for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea After a Rapid Polymerase Chain Reaction Test Versus Standard of Care Testing.

Background: We tested the effect of a rapid molecular test for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT)/Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) diagnosis on clinical emergency department decision making compared with standard care. The new test presents an opportunity to improve antibiotic management and patient outcomes.

Methods: We conducted a randomized controlled trial of 70 consenting patients 18 years or older presenting to an urban emergency department with sexually transmitted infections complaints (vaginal/penile discharge, dysuria, vaginal/penile itching/pain, dyspareunia).