Attitudes towards and use of point of care tests for sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Results from a survey of STI conference attendees in 2023.

Yu-Hsiang Hsieh; Yuka Manabe; Charlotte Gaydos; Matthew Hamill; Haneefa Saleem; Golsa Yazdy; Anne Rompalo; Susan Tuddenham

Just Accepted

This article has been peer reviewed and accepted for publication. It is in production and has not been edited, so may differ from the final published form.

Attitudes towards and use of point of care tests for sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Results from a survey of STI conference attendees in 2023.

Yu-Hsiang Hsieh, Yuka Manabe, Charlotte Gaydos , Matthew Hamill , Haneefa Saleem, Golsa Yazdy , Anne Rompalo, Susan Tuddenham

Abstract

Background: Point-of-care tests (POCTs) for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have become increasingly available since the COVID-19 pandemic. There is limited data on the use of these tests in clinical practice, as well as the potential challenges to integrating them into care. Methods: We conducted a survey of participants to an international STI conference in July 2023 to better understand use of STI POCTs. Results: 83% of respondents reported using traditional POCTs (such as gram stain and wet prep) in their practice, and 52% used newer POCTs (most commonly: rapid tests for T. pallidum [26%] and molecular tests for NG/CT [26%]). Newer POCTs were commonly used for symptomatic (77%) and asymptomatic patients (46%), in addition to asymptomatic contacts to people with STIs (51%) and those with increased vulnerabilities (47%). Disclosure of results from newer POCTs occurred during the clinic visit for the majority of respondents (71%). When asked about the most important obstacles to using newer POCTs, cost of the test to the clinical practice or healthcare system was the most cited issue (43%), while concerns regarding changing or establishing new clinic workflows was the second most cited issue (23%). Most participants were “definitely” (58%) or “maybe” (29%) in favor of patient self-tests, however top concerns included lack of follow-up to ensure counseling/appropriate treatment for the patient and their partner. Conclusions: To meaningfully adopt newer POCTs, further research is needed to understand practice patterns and barriers to implementation.

SH25003 Accepted 13 May 2025