Open AccessDirect-to-Consumer Sexually Transmitted Infection Testing Services: A Position Statement from the American Sexually Transmitted Diseases Association
Author(s) -
Cara Exten,
Casey N. Pinto,
Anne Gaynor,
Beth E. Meyerson,
Stacey B. Griner,
Barbara Van Der Pol
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
sexually transmitted diseases
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.507
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1537-4521
pISSN - 0148-5717
DOI - 10.1097/olq.0000000000001475
Subject(s) - medicine , pandemic , sexually transmitted disease , popularity , position statement , test (biology) , association (psychology) , position (finance) , position paper , health care , family medicine , covid-19 , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , business , disease , pathology , psychology , social psychology , paleontology , syphilis , infectious disease (medical specialty) , biology , finance , economics , psychotherapist , economic growth
Direct-to-consumer test services have gained popularity for sexually transmitted infections in recent years, with substantially increased use as a result of the SARS-CoV-2 (CoVID-19) global pandemic. This method of access has been variously known as "self-testing," "home testing," and "direct access testing." Although these online services may be offered through different mechanisms, here we focus on those that are consumer-driven and require self-collected samples, and sample shipment to a centralized laboratory without involvement of health care providers and/or local health departments. We provide the American Sexually Transmitted Diseases Association's position on utilization of these services and recommendations for both consumers and health care providers.