P177 The Role of Syphilis Point-of-Care Testing in the Management of Patients with Genital Ulceration

Abstract

Background/introduction Within the United Kingdom (UK) there has been an increase in infectious syphilis in the last decade, particularly amongst white men who have sex with men (MSM) aged 25–34 years old. Syphilis Point-of-Care (POC) tests were originally designed for resource-limited settings; however they can play a role in sexual health clinics in the UK. Aim(s)/objectives Review the use of syphilis POC testing in the management of patients with genital ulceration. Methods A search of Electronic Patient Records identified all patients who were offered a syphilis POC test between 1 st October 2014 and 31 st March 2015 at Whittall Street Clinic. Using a previously tested audit data collection tool, information about patient demographics, indication for syphilis POC test and clinical diagnosis were collected from each patient record and anonymised. Results During six months, 111 records were identified as having offered a syphilis POC test. 13 records were excluded; 3 duplicate records and 10 patients were offered a syphilis POC test, but it was not performed. Of the remaining 98 records, 20 patients had a syphilis POC test performed due to genital ulceration. Eight patients had confirmed syphilis on serology testing, of which four had a reactive syphilis POC test on the day of presentation and subsequently had treatment the same day. Discussion/conclusion Syphilis POC test remains an important diagnostic tool in settings which have no on-site laboratory facilities. Syphilis POC can also add strength to clinical judgement and diagnostic tests in well-resourced settings.