Point-of-Care Testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections
Oral POC STI tests with comparable performance to blood-based POC tests are now available for supervised self-testing or home use. POC STI tests can be used to expand screening, improve syndromic management and reduce loss to follow up. Their use can result in accelerated treatment initiation and delays in partner services. They also create opportunities for new social and financial models of community-based testing services. Increasing equity and access to testing creates challenges in linkage to care, quality assurance, partner services and monitoring of disease trends to inform control strategies. These important developments warrant further research to understand appropriate contexts for implementation.
Conclusion
Oral POC STI tests with comparable performance to blood-based POC tests are now available for supervised self-testing or home use. POC STI tests can be used to expand screening, improve syndromic management and reduce loss to follow up. Their use can result in accelerated treatment initiation and delays in partner services. They also create opportunities for new social and financial models of community-based testing services. Increasing equity and access to testing creates challenges in linkage to care, quality assurance, partner services and monitoring of disease trends to inform control strategies. These important developments warrant further research to understand appropriate contexts for implementation.
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