Quick test for chlamydia

A quick test for the "invisible" sexually-transmitted disease chlamydia has been developed by British scientists, it emerged today.

The breakthrough could benefit young people in London, the highest-risk group in the UK, according to Department of Health figures.

Chlamydia shows no symptoms in 70 per cent of women and 50 per cent of men, but if left untreated can cause infertility. Over 81,000 cases were diagnosed in 2002 at genitourinary medicine clinics, an increase of 139 per cent since
1996.

Once detected, the disease is easily treatable with antibiotics. It is believed to cost the NHS £100 million a year.

The "Firstburst" dipstick test, already being used in developing countries, is cheaper than standard tests and can produce a result in 25 minutes. Researcher Dr Helen Lee from Cambridge University said she hoped it could be in use in the UK within a year following clinical trials.

She added: "It's vital the test is instant. If you're living in a country where you have to walk for up to a day to get to a clinic it's extremely unlikely you would bother to make the return trip a week later to get the result."