CTAD: Chlamydia Testing Activity Dataset

The Chlamydia Testing Activity Dataset (CTAD) is a new universal disaggregate dataset, for the reporting of chlamydia testing data from all NHS and NHS commissioned laboratories in England. The purpose of CTAD is to enable collection of robust data from laboratories on all chlamydia testing carried out in England, in order to effectively monitor the impact of the National Chlamydia Screening Programme (NCSP) through estimation of population screening coverage, positivity and diagnostic rates. CTAD will replace the NCSP core data return and the non-NCSP non-GUM aggregate data sets. Full implementation of CTAD becomes mandatory in April 2012, with a six month dual-reporting period running from April to September 2012.

CTAD will enable unified, comprehensive reporting of all chlamydia testing and diagnosis data, and will eliminate the need to combine data from disparate sources. This will simplify and streamline information flow and improve data completeness and quality. The HPA is responsible for CTAD implementation, and will collate CTAD data for use by local programmes.

CTAD is being implemented within the context of the ongoing integration of the NCSP into mainstream sexual health service provision. It will eliminate a significant administrative burden relating to the collection and submission of the NCSP and the non-GUM non-NCSP datasets, and thus contribute to increased cost-effectiveness of the programme.

CTAD is sponsored by the Department of Health and ministerial support for the dataset has been gained through the Review of Central Returns (ROCR) approval process. The HPA received National Information Governance Board (NIGB) approval to collect this data.

CTAD Standard Specification

The CTAD Standard Specification v1.5 (PDF, 467 KB) provides comprehensive guidance for laboratory staff on the CTAD data return, data items to be collected, data item format/coding and transmission of data to the HPA.

In response to feedback and comments made in recent CTAD workshops, some laboratories requested a tool be developed to enable easier re-formatting of data in order to submit an extract coded and formatted according to the CTAD standard specification.

The CTAD Reformat Microsoft Excel® Macro (Excel Spreadsheet, 293 KB) has been created with the aim of achieving this. Download and save the file to start. See User Guide: CTAD Reformat Macro (PDF, 443 KB) for further instructions.

CTAD Documents

CTAD NHS Commissioner’s Pack

The CTAD NHS Commissioner’s Resource Pack (PDF, 352 KB) has been designed to support standard compliance as well as a smooth transition to the new system across acute, community and private microbiology services. This pack has been modelled on DH Standard NHS Contracts and contains the following resources for local use:

Template Provider Notice Letters – informing all (1) NHS and NHS Commissioned Laboratories and (2) Chlamydia Screening Offices there will be a change in Chlamydia data reporting practice in 2012
Template Contract Variation Agreement- to vary any chlamydia microbiology contracts (Acute, Community and NCSP) rolling beyond March 2012
CTAD Information Schedule- for inclusion as an annex to any NHS commissioned microbiology contracts negotiated for commencement post-March 2012 or a Contract Variation Agreement.

CTAD Implementation - HPA Regional Workshop Series Report

Over the past twelve months, the HPA has been working with stakeholders to support local preparations for CTAD implementation. As part of this, the HPA held a series of six workshops with sexual health commissioners, service providers and laboratory staff. This report captures key points from the valuable discussion at these events, as a record for attendees and to provide an easy-to-share resource for local colleagues.

Integrating the New Chlamydia Testing Activity Dataset into Local Systems - HPA Regional Workshop Series Report (PDF, 214 KB)

Further Information / Contact Details

For further information on CTAD please see the CTAD Briefing Document and FAQ CTAD Frequently Asked Questions (PDF, 171 KB) document or contact Dr Catherine Lowndes (Consultant Scientist, Epidemiology: 0208 327 7413), Katy Town (CTAD Administrator: 020 832 77493). Alternatively, any CTAD queries can be emailed to ctad@hpa.org.uk.

Last reviewed: 3 May 2012