A trial of the distribution of chlamydia self-collection postal specimen kits from Australian community pharmacies

Abstract

[Extract] The involvement of pharmacies in offering non-invasive sexually transmissible infection (STI) testing is considered important given their presence in the community, long opening hours, and credibility as health-care providers and promoters. In the UK, pharmacy-based distribution of chlamydia self-collection specimen kits was successfully trialled, in over 200 Boots pharmacies in London in late 2005. Clients aged 16 years and over in the UK may now purchase the specimen kits and mail their urine sample to the laboratory for testing. We report some outcomes of the pharmacy sub-study of a Queensland Chlamydia Testing Program that explored various modes of distribution for specimen self-collection kits. Availability of specimen collection kits from pharmacies may enhance the uptake of testing services. In contrast to other countries, however, Australian postal regulations do not permit mailing of liquid specimens. Development of the regulation compliant kit used in this study has been reported elsewhere.