NAAT
Medical abbreviation · Laboratory Test
| Stands for | Nucleic acid amplification test |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
NAAT stands for Nucleic acid amplification test, a laboratory test abbreviation.
Umbrella term for molecular tests that amplify DNA or RNA to detect pathogens, including PCR, transcription-mediated amplification (TMA) and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). NAATs are the recommended tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea and are widely used for tuberculosis, COVID-19 and influenza.
Example: Vaginal swab NAAT positive for chlamydia; doxycycline prescribed and partner notified.
Usage notes
Pronounced "nat". NAATs are more sensitive than culture or antigen tests, and for chlamydia and gonorrhea they accept self-collected vaginal swabs or first-catch urine. Their high sensitivity also means they detect non-viable organisms, so they are generally not used as a test of cure soon after treatment.
Related abbreviations
More laboratory test abbreviations
- MCH – Mean corpuscular hemoglobin
- MCHC – Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration
- MCV – Mean corpuscular volume
- Mg – Magnesium
- MPV – Mean platelet volume
- Na – Sodium
- NH3 – Ammonia
- non-HDL-C – Non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol
- O&P – Ova and parasites
- Osm – Osmolality
- PaCO2 – Partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide
- PaO2 – Partial pressure of arterial oxygen
See all 135 laboratory test abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.