‘Clamelle’ Chlamydia Test Kit, Devon, England, 2009

Clamelle home Chlamydia test kit for the detection of the disease Chlamydia, made by Actavis UK Ltd., Barnstaple, Devon, England, c. 2009. Contains a urine sample bottle and envelope to send off to a confidential testing department. Bought from the high street chemist boots.

High street chemist Boots sold the ‘Clamelle’ Test. It is a home diagnosis kit for identifying the sexually transmitted infection chlamydia. Chlamydia is caused by the bacterium chlamydia trachomatis and is spread between partners during unprotected sex. The most commonly diagnosed STI in the UK, chlamydia is often referred to as the ‘silent’ disease because it displays no obvious symptoms. The kit contains a urine sample bottle and envelope to send to a confidential testing department. Home diagnosis kits have recently caused concern because of the risk of misdiagnosis.

A GP or a local GUM (genitourinary medicine) clinic can confirm Chlamydia via a simple swab test or urine sample. Chlamydia is dealt with quickly and easily by antibiotics. However, it can lead to the more serious pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women if left undiagnosed. This can increase the chance of miscarriage and infertility. Using condoms is one way to avoid catching and spreading STIs.