How Accurate is a Urine Test for Gonorrhea?
Medically reviewed by Andre Stone | MD, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine on August 25th, 2026.
Urine NAATs for gonorrhea are highly accurate, but sensitivity varies by the specific test, the patient's sex, the infection site, and how the sample is collected. These tests detect genetic material from Neisseria gonorrhoeae and are the preferred tests for most gonorrhea screening. NAATs can accurately identify gonorrhea infections even when bacterial levels are low, making them more reliable than older culture-based methods. The test works by amplifying DNA or RNA sequences from gonorrhea. Testing too soon after an exposure can miss an infection, so ask a healthcare professional when to test or whether repeat testing is needed. False negatives are rare but can occur if the sample is collected too early after exposure or if proper collection procedures aren't followed. NAATs are the preferred testing method in most situations. First-void urine is commonly used for men, while a vaginal swab is usually preferred for women. Throat or rectal swabs may also be needed when those sites were exposed.
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