Quest Diagnostics Study Reveals Pregnant Women Are Undertested for STIs, Raising Concerns for Maternal and Newborn Health
A recent study conducted by Quest Diagnostics in collaboration with the University of Alabama has unveiled significant gaps in the testing and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among pregnant women in the United States. This extensive study, titled ‘Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Testing in Pregnancy: Time to Improve Adherence and Update Recommendations’, was published in the Journal of Lower Genital Tract Disease. The research analyzed data from over 4 million pregnancies across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, highlighting a worrying trend: one in three women who tested positive for chlamydia or gonorrhea during pregnancy were not retested before giving birth. This suggests that these women were not adequately treated, raising serious concerns about maternal and newborn health.
The study’s findings are particularly alarming given the potential health risks associated with untreated STIs during pregnancy. Chlamydia and gonorrhea can lead to infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, and other severe complications in women. Moreover, these infections can be transmitted from mother to child during birth, posing additional health risks for newborns. Dr. Damian P. Alagia, the study’s co-author and medical director of women’s health at Quest Diagnostics, emphasized that these findings add to the existing evidence of inconsistent quality in maternal and child healthcare in the U.S. The study revealed that over 4% of women who were screened for chlamydia or gonorrhea during the first trimester tested positive for one or both infections. Shockingly, more than one-third of these women did not receive a follow-up negative test, indicating inadequate treatment or potential reinfection.
The implications of these findings are profound. Approximately 2% of women who initially tested negative for these STIs later tested positive during pregnancy, with nearly half still testing positive before delivery. This indicates a significant gap in adherence to recommended testing guidelines, which poses serious health risks for both mothers and infants. The authors of the study stress the urgent need for improved adherence to guidelines for STI testing during pregnancy. Untreated chlamydia and gonorrhea can lead to severe health risks for both mothers and infants, including preterm birth, low birth weight, and neonatal infections. The study recommends improvements to current guidelines, citing inconsistencies across various health agencies. For example, the CDC and USPSTF have different recommendations for retesting, which can lead to confusion and inconsistent care.
Current guidelines do not recommend screening women over 25 unless they have specific risk factors, based on outdated data. This study highlights the need for updated guidelines that reflect the latest evidence and ensure comprehensive testing for all pregnant women. The study’s strengths include its large sample size, national representation, and use of objective laboratory data. However, there are limitations as well, including a lack of clinical follow-up information for positive cases and a focus on only two STIs. Despite these limitations, the study provides valuable insights into the current state of STI testing and treatment among pregnant women in the U.S.
The authors warn that non-adherence to guideline-based testing in maternal care may extend to other STIs as well. According to the CDC, cases of STIs are at an all-time high in the U.S., with over 2.5 million reported in 2022. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for better testing and treatment protocols to protect the health of pregnant women and their babies. The study calls for harmonization of guidelines and updated recommendations for STI testing during pregnancy. This includes retesting for cure at 4 weeks of pregnancy and screening all women under 25 regardless of risk factors. These measures can help ensure that all pregnant women receive the necessary care to prevent and treat STIs, ultimately improving maternal and newborn health outcomes.
Quest Diagnostics, a leading provider of diagnostic information services, plays a crucial role in this effort. The company serves one in three adult Americans and half of the physicians and hospitals in the United States. Its diagnostic insights are derived from one of the world’s largest databases of de-identified clinical lab results. Quest Diagnostics is committed to improving healthcare and empowering individuals, physicians, and organizations with diagnostic insights. The company’s second quarter revenues were $2.40 billion, up 2.5% from 2023. Second quarter reported diluted earnings per share were $2.03, down 1.0% from 2023, while adjusted diluted earnings per share were $2.35, up 2.2% from 2023. Full year 2024 revenues are now expected to be between $9.50 billion and $9.58 billion.
In addition to its financial performance, Quest Diagnostics has been recognized for its commitment to diversity and inclusion. The company was named to the 2024 Disability Equality Index Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion. This recognition reflects Quest Diagnostics’ dedication to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive. The company also continues to innovate in the field of healthcare. Quest’s Wearables for Metabolic Health pilot study aims to utilize wearable devices to improve metabolic health. This initiative is part of the company’s broader efforts to leverage technology and data to enhance patient care and outcomes.
The findings of the Quest Diagnostics study underscore the critical need for improved STI testing and treatment protocols for pregnant women. The gaps in guideline-based care identified in the study can lead to increased risks of infection and complications for both mother and child. By adhering to existing guidelines, harmonizing guidelines across health agencies, and updating recommendations for STI testing, healthcare providers can better protect the health of pregnant women and their babies. The study’s authors call for a concerted effort to address these gaps and ensure that all pregnant women receive the necessary care to prevent and treat STIs.
Moreover, the study highlights the importance of comprehensive maternal healthcare. Ensuring that pregnant women receive appropriate STI testing and treatment is just one aspect of maternal health. Other areas, such as prenatal care, nutrition, and mental health, also play a crucial role in ensuring healthy pregnancies and positive birth outcomes. Healthcare providers must take a holistic approach to maternal health, addressing all aspects of a woman’s health and well-being during pregnancy. This includes providing education and support to help women make informed decisions about their health and the health of their babies.
As the study reveals, there is a pressing need for better adherence to guidelines and updated recommendations for STI testing during pregnancy. By addressing these gaps, healthcare providers can help reduce the risks of infection and complications for both mother and child. This will require a collaborative effort among healthcare providers, policymakers, and organizations like Quest Diagnostics. Together, they can work to ensure that all pregnant women receive the necessary care to protect their health and the health of their babies. The study’s findings serve as a call to action, urging stakeholders to take immediate steps to improve maternal healthcare and ensure that all pregnant women receive the comprehensive care they need.
In conclusion, the Quest Diagnostics study sheds light on the significant gaps in STI testing and treatment among pregnant women in the U.S. The findings underscore the urgent need for improved adherence to guidelines, harmonization of guidelines across health agencies, and updated recommendations for STI testing during pregnancy. By addressing these gaps, healthcare providers can better protect the health of pregnant women and their babies, ultimately improving maternal and newborn health outcomes. The study serves as a reminder of the importance of comprehensive maternal healthcare and the need for a collaborative effort to ensure that all pregnant women receive the necessary care to prevent and treat STIs.