Improving chlamydia testing accuracy for MSM and trans-women

Meatal Swab Yourself With Testing for Infections Collectively (MYSTIC)

Not applicable Interventional The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust · NCT05870098

This study is testing new ways to improve chlamydia testing accuracy for men who have sex with men and trans-women by comparing group testing methods to traditional individual tests.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment1250 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexMale
SponsorThe Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Academic / other
Locations1 site (Leeds, West Yorkshire)
Trial IDNCT05870098 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to enhance the accuracy of chlamydia testing in men who have sex with men (MSM) and trans-women by comparing two new pooling methods against traditional separate sample testing. Participants will provide self-taken throat and rectal swabs, which will be pooled to assess if this method can maintain or improve diagnostic accuracy while reducing costs. The study also evaluates the effectiveness of using a meatal sample instead of urine in pooled testing. The goal is to ensure more accessible and accurate testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea in this population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are MSM and trans-women aged 18 years or older who are attending a sexual health service for chlamydia and gonorrhea testing.

Not a fit: Patients who have taken antibiotics in the past 14 days or have previously participated in this trial may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more accurate and cost-effective testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea, improving health outcomes for MSM and trans-women.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success in using pooled samples for gonorrhea testing, but the approach for chlamydia testing is still being evaluated.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 years and over. Willing to perform self-taken swabs in addition to any clinician required swabs. Able to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

- Antibiotics taken in the past 14 days (excluding metronidazole). Previous participation in this trial

Where this trial is running

Leeds, West Yorkshire

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions ChlamydiaGonorrhea
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.