Paving the way for accessible at-home STI testing in Canada
Paving the way for accessible at-home STI testing in Canada
About Us
Improving STBBI-CARE through community, access, respect, and equity
Site Content
Additional Information
Sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBI) remain a significant public health concern in Canada. The incidence of STBBI have consistently risen since the 1990s in Canada despite a multitude of public health initiatives to curb rising infection rates. Many demographic, socio-cultural, and epidemiologic factors may be contributing to this rise and speaks to the urgent need for improved community-based access to STBBI prevention and treatment.
This site is the part of a research study that seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of a web-based platform as the gateway to comprehensive STBBI clinical care pathways in order to optimizing testing rates and patient experience, to identify the elements that shape the uptake of self-collection STI testing, and to rapidly produce a pragmatic, scalable framework from qualitative research.
Through this online platform individuals can access free STBBI testing (similar to attending a health clinic in-person) using validated tests at home. Prior to testing, all participants will need to complete an intake survey (REDCap) to gather identifying details and to assess risk and behaviours to ensure the right testing materials are sent. All screening and diagnoses are made with lab-standard tests and are not experimental - the process of testing at home is what this study is investigating. Come participants might be asked to complete an experimental dried urine spot in addition to sending back the gold standard (urine) test to help advance diagnostic technology. There will also be a short follow-up survey (REDCap) to comment on the process of testing, diagnosis, and treatment.
Some participants in the testing process will be asked if they are willing to partake in interviews to assess the current state of STBBI care. The interviews will be done either in person or by virtual platform with audio recording for latter review and analysis.
The Study Team
Co-Principal Investigators
Dr Ranjani Somayaji
Dr Caley Shukalek
Co-Investigators
Dr Deirdre Church
Dr John Kim
Dr Christopher Naugler
Mr. Nolan Hill
STBBI-CARE Testing Methods
Swab Testing
Dried Blood Spot (DBS)
Dried Blood Spot (DBS)
Non-genital testing for gonorrhoea and chlamydia with a swab (throat & rectal videos and all site instructions)
Urine Testing
Dried Blood Spot (DBS)
Urine Testing
Genital testing for gonorrhoea and chlamydia with the initial 15-20 mL of urine (below mark on cup)