Testing Technologies as Enhancers of DIS Activities: Applying Lessons from COVID-19

Sex Transm Dis. 2022 Nov 8. doi: 10.1097/OLQ.0000000000001732. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Disease intervention specialists are often at the forefront of adoption of new technologies in support of sexually transmitted infection (STI) contact tracing efforts. Newer technology for detection of treatable STI includes point-of-care (POC) molecular tests for detection of chlamydia gonorrhea and trichomonas and syphilis serology POC tests. Other additions to our case finding toolbox are the use of telemedicine and the proliferation of direct-to-consumer offerings, both of which rely on remote sample collection involving self-collection of specimens in non-clinical settings. Finally, on the near horizon are over-the-counter tests that will support self-testing without the involvement of a medical professional. Each of these new developments are discussed and contextualized in experiences resulting from the CoVID-19 pandemic response. Many options are now available, or will be soon, for detection of STIs in non-traditional settings and we need to consider the processes involved as we move toward adoption of these new tools.

PMID:36730759 | DOI:10.1097/OLQ.0000000000001732