Physician utilization of a gonococcal antibody screening test.

A gonococcal antibody test was introduced for use by the physician-clients of a private reference laboratory accompanied by distribution of literature regarding recommended use and interpretation of the test. The pattern of use of the tests was analyzed, and a telephone survey of clients was conducted to determine the manner of physician utilization of the test with regard to 69 patients with reactive test results. Despite recommendations to the contrary, the group surveyed used the test for males (22%) and symptomatic individuals (61%). Culture for Neisseria gonorrhoeae was not performed for 54% of patients with reactive tests for antibody to N. gonorrhoeae. Most physicians interviewed did not heed recommendations for the use of the test or correctly interpret test results.