Early detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) with the same risk factors as other STDs (e.g., multiple sex partners), can prevent the development of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, and ectopic pregnancy. An estimated 10 percent to 20 percent of women with untreated gonorrhea will develop PID. Risk factors for gonorrhea infection are similar to those for HIV infection, and untreated gonorrhea increases the risk of HIV infection. Frequent gonnorhea screening is recommended for HIV-infected women.

Formula:  The number of female patients/clients with at least one HIV primary care visit in the past 12 months who also had a documented gonorrhea test in the past 12 months. Divide by the total number of female patients with at least one HIV primary care visit in the past 12 months. Multiply by 100 to calculate percent.

More than 80 percent of female patients/clients will have a documented gonorrhea test (DNA probe or culture) within the past 12 months.

Analyze data monthly (or at the frequency established for your quality improvement effort). Count the number of female patients/clients with an HIV primary care visit in the past 12 months who also had a documented gonorrhea DNA probe or culture within the last 12 months.

The National HIVQUAL Project’s Minimum Sample Table will help you determine the number of records to include in your sample. The Research Randomize can generate a random number series to help you select which records to review.