The test is used in two ways:

• to diagnose the cause of symptoms, and
• to screen sexually active people.

A definitive diagnosis is important because symptoms of gonorrhea can resemble chlamydia clinically, and the two disorders require different treatment.

The preferred method of testing currently is the molecular test, also known as Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT). This test is based on amplification of the DNA that is present in Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Molecular testing for Neisseria gonorrhoeae is currently the standard and is widely utilized. The advantage of molecular tests is that they are generally more sensitive and specific than conventional culture and can therefore identify more positive specimens. Molecular tests should not be used to diagnose or verify cases with legal implications. Until the legal system changes, only a positive culture result proving infection with gonorrhea is admissible in court. All positive molecular tests for Neisseria gonorrhoeae should be verified by the same or another methodology for confirmation. Molecular tests need to be validated for different sources of specimens.

Testing for Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis is generally done simultaneously as the two organisms have similar clinical presentations.

A doctor may order the test if you have symptoms such as (for women) a yellow or bloody vaginal discharge, bleeding associated with vaginal intercourse, or burning/painful urination; or (for men) pus discharging from the penis, a burning sensation during urination, prostatitis (infection of the prostate), or proctitis (inflammation of the rectal or anal area). Pregnant women should be tested at least once during the pregnancy.

A positive test indicates an active infection that requires treatment with a course of antibiotics.

Many people contract gonorrhea without knowing it, because symptoms are very mild or even absent. If you test positive for gonorrhea, you should also be screened for other sexually transmitted diseases and your sexual partner(s) should be tested and treated as well.

If you are infected, your risk of contracting other sexually transmitted diseases increases, including HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.