THE ROLE OF THE MICROBIOLOGY LABORATORY IN THE INVESTIGATION OF CHILDSEXUAL ABUSE

Detection of a sexually transmitted pathogen in a child is suggestive of sexual abuse, Consequently, there are very strong clinical, social and legal reasons for diagnosing sexually transmitted disease in child ren correctly, Carefully considered protocols should be established fo r all stages of the microbiological investigation, All procedures, fro m specimen collection to report generation, should be undertaken to th e highest possible standard with appropriate documentation, For the mo re commonly identified sexually transmitted pathogens in the paediatri c population, the gold standard of diagnosis in the microbiology labor atory remains culture in vitro because this method offers maximum spec ificity, Whenever possible, culture must be followed by appropriate co nfirmatory tests, This highly exacting approach has significant resour ce and organisational implications and some tests may have to be centr alised, The effective provision of an appropriate service for these ca ses is dependent on the local laboratory collaborating closely with ho spital paediatricians and other microbiology laboratories.