What is the most appropriate STI screening for a 16-year-old sexually active female in a monogamous relationship?

For a 16-year-old sexually active female in a monogamous relationship, the most appropriate STI screening is the Chlamydia trachomatis nucleic acid amplification test. This choice is important because chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections, and adolescents are at a higher risk for infection due to various factors including biological susceptibility and behavioral patterns.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends routine screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea in sexually active women under the age of 25. The nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) is highly sensitive and specific for detecting Chlamydia trachomatis and is considered the gold standard for screening. It can be performed using urine or vaginal samples, making it both convenient and effective.

While other testing options, such as HIV testing, syphilis screening, and Pap tests, are also important components of sexual health care, they serve different purposes. HIV testing is indeed crucial, particularly if risk factors are present, but it is typically not the primary screening protocol for asymptomatic adolescents in a monogamous relationship. Syphilis testing is important in high-risk populations and pregnant women but is not part of routine screening for all sexually active teens. Additionally, Pap