Clinic-based Testing Research Articles

Rapid urine lipoarabinomannan assay as a clinic-based screening test for active tuberculosis at HIV diagnosis.

BackgroundWorld Health Organization (WHO) recommends tuberculosis (TB) screening at HIV diagnosis. We evaluated the inclusion of rapid urine lipoarabinomannan (LAM) testing in TB screening algorithms.MethodsWe enrolled ART-naïve adults who screened HIV-infected in KwaZulu-Natal, assessed TB-related symptoms (cough, fever, night sweats, weight loss), and obtained sputum specimens for mycobacterial culture. Trained nurses performed clinic-based urine LAM testing using a rapid assay. We used diagnostic accuracy, negative predictive value (NPV), and negative likelihood ratio, stratified by CD4 count, to evaluate screening for culture-positive TB.ResultsAmong 675 HIV-infected adults with median CD4 of 213/mm3 (interquartile range 85-360/mm3), 123 (18%) had culture-confirmed pulmonary TB. The WHO-recommended algorithm of any TB-related symptom had a sensitivity of 77% [95% confidence interval (CI) 69-84%] and NPV of 89% (95% CI 84-92%) for identifying active pulmonary TB. Including the LAM assay improved sensitivity (83%; 95% CI 75-89%) and NPV (91%; 95% CI 86-94%), while decreasing the negative likelihood ratio (0.45 versus 0.57). Among participants with CD4 < 100/mm3, including urine LAM testing improved the negative predictive value of symptom based screening from 83% to 87%. All screening algorithms with urine LAM performed better among participants with CD4 < 100/mm3, compared to those with CD4 ≥ 100/mm3.ConclusionClinic-based urine LAM screening increased the sensitivity of symptom-based screening by 6% among ART-naïve HIV-infected adults in a TB-endemic setting, thereby providing marginal benefit.

Promoting Partner Testing and Couples Testing through Secondary Distribution of HIV Self-Tests: A Randomized Clinical Trial

BackgroundAchieving higher rates of partner HIV testing and couples testing among pregnant and postpartum women in sub-Saharan Africa is essential for the success of combination HIV prevention, including the prevention of mother-to-child transmission. We aimed to determine whether providing multiple HIV self-tests to pregnant and postpartum women for secondary distribution is more effective at promoting partner testing and couples testing than conventional strategies based on invitations to clinic-based testing.Methods and FindingsWe conducted a randomized trial in Kisumu, Kenya, between June 11, 2015, and January 15, 2016. Six hundred antenatal and postpartum women aged 18–39 y were randomized to an HIV self-testing (HIVST) group or a comparison group. Participants in the HIVST group were given two oral-fluid-based HIV test kits, instructed on how to use them, and encouraged to distribute a test kit to their male partner or use both kits for testing as a couple. Participants in the comparison group were given an invitation card for clinic-based HIV testing and encouraged to distribute the card to their male partner, a routine practice in many health clinics. The primary outcome was partner testing within 3 mo of enrollment. Among 570 participants analyzed, partner HIV testing was more likely in the HIVST group (90.8%, 258/284) than the comparison group (51.7%, 148/286; difference = 39.1%, 95% CI 32.4% to 45.8%, p < 0.001). Couples testing was also more likely in the HIVST group than the comparison group (75.4% versus 33.2%, difference = 42.1%, 95% CI 34.7% to 49.6%, p < 0.001). No participants reported intimate partner violence due to HIV testing. This study was limited by self-reported outcomes, a common limitation in many studies involving HIVST due to the private manner in which self-tests are meant to be used.ConclusionsProvision of multiple HIV self-tests to women seeking antenatal and postpartum care was successful in promoting partner testing and couples testing. This approach warrants further consideration as countries develop HIVST policies and seek new ways to increase awareness of HIV status among men and promote couples testing.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT02386215.

Choice in HIV testing: the acceptability and anticipated use of a self-administered at-home oral HIV test among South Africans

Combination HIV prevention is being widely promoted by funders. This strategy aims to offer HIV prevention choices that can be selected and combined to decrease HIV risk in ways that fit with each individual’s situation. Treatment as prevention and pre-exposure prophylaxis are two new evidence-based strategies to decrease HIV incidence, both of which require high HIV testing rates to be effective, and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) has set a goal of 90% of HIV-positive individuals knowing their status by 2030. However, HIV testing rates in many countries remain suboptimal. Just as no single HIV prevention method is ideal for all people in all situations, no single HIV testing modality is likely to be acceptable to everyone. By offering HIV testing choices, we may be able to increase testing rates. However, many low-resourced countries have been slow to take up new HIV testing options such as the self-administered at-home oral HIV test that is currently available in the United States. In this paper, we present findings from 20 in-depth interviews, conducted in 2010, documenting opinions about self-administered at-home oral HIV testing, a testing modality still largely unavailable in Africa. Participants were clients of three primary healthcare clinics in South Africa. Self-testing was seen as enabling confidentiality/privacy, saving time, and facilitating testing together with partners. However, concerns were raised about psychological distress when testing at home without a counsellor. Some suggested this concern could be minimised by having experienced clinic-based HIV testing and counselling before getting self-testing kits for home use. Thus, self-administered HIV testing could be an option added to the current testing modalities to address some important barriers to testing.

Validation of a Self-Administered Audiometry Application: An Equivalence Study.

To compare hearing measurements made at home using self-administered audiometric software against audiological tests performed on the same subjects in a clinical setting Prospective, crossover equivalence study In experiment 1, adults with varying degrees of hearing loss (N = 19) performed air-conduction audiometry, frequency discrimination, and speech recognition in noise testing twice at home with an automated tablet application and twice in sound-treated clinical booths with an audiologist. The accuracy and reliability of computer-guided home hearing tests were compared to audiologist administered tests. In experiment 2, the reliability and accuracy of pure-tone audiometric results were examined in a separate cohort across a variety of clinical settings (N = 21). Remote, automated audiograms were statistically equivalent to manual, clinic-based testing from 500 to 8,000 Hz (P ≤ .02); however, 250 Hz thresholds were elevated when collected at home. Remote and sound-treated booth testing of frequency discrimination and speech recognition thresholds were equivalent (P ≤ 5 × 10(-5) ). In the second experiment, remote testing was equivalent to manual sound-booth testing from 500 to 8,000 Hz (P ≤ .02) for a different cohort who received clinic-based testing in a variety of settings. These data provide a proof of concept that several self-administered, automated hearing measurements are statistically equivalent to manual measurements made by an audiologist in the clinic. The demonstration of statistical equivalency for these basic behavioral hearing tests points toward the eventual feasibility of monitoring progressive or fluctuant hearing disorders outside of the clinic to increase the efficiency of clinical information collection. 2b. Laryngoscope, 126:2382-2388, 2016.

The acceptability and cost of a home-based chlamydia retesting strategy: findings from the REACT randomised controlled trial.

BackgroundChlamydia retesting three months after treatment is recommended to detect reinfections, but retesting rates are typically low. The REACT (retest after Chlamydia trachomatis) randomised trial demonstrated that home-based retesting using postal home-collection kits and SMS reminders, resulted in substantial improvements in retesting rates in women, heterosexual men and men who have sex with men (MSM), with detection of more repeat positive tests compared with SMS reminder alone. In the context of this trial, the acceptability of the home-based strategy was evaluated and the costs of the two strategies were compared.MethodsREACT participants (200 women, 200 heterosexual men, 200 MSM) were asked to complete an online survey that included home-testing acceptability and preferred methods of retesting. The demographics, sexual behaviour and acceptability of home collection were compared between those preferring home-testing versus clinic-based retesting or no preference, using a chi-square test. The costs to the health system of the clinic-based and home retesting strategies and the cost per infection for each were also compared.ResultsOverall 445/600 (74 %) participants completed the survey; 236/445 from the home-testing arm, and 141 of these (60 %) retested at home. The majority of home arm retesters were comfortable having the kit posted to their home (86 %); found it easy to follow the instructions and collect the specimens (96 %); were confident they had collected the specimens correctly (90 %); and reported no problems (70 %). Most (65 %) preferred home retesting, 21 % had no preference and 14 % preferred clinic retesting. Comparing those with a preference for home testing to those who didn’t, there were significant differences in being comfortable having a kit sent to their home (p = 0.045); not having been diagnosed with chlamydia previously (p = 0.030); and living with friends (p = 0.034). The overall cost for the home retest pathway was $154 (AUD), compared to $169 for the clinic-based retesting pathway and the cost per repeat infection detected was $1409 vs $3133.ConclusionsAmong individuals initially diagnosed with chlamydia in a sexual health clinic setting, home-based retesting was shown to be highly acceptable, preferred by most participants, and cost-efficient. However some clients preferred clinic-based testing, often due to confidentiality concerns in their home environment. Both options should be provided to maximise retesting rates.Trial registrationThe trial was registered with the Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry on September 9, 2011: ACTRN12611000968976.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12889-016-2727-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Rationale and design of FORTH: a randomised controlled trial assessing the effectiveness of HIV self-testing in increasing HIV testing frequency among gay and bisexual men.

BackgroundGay and bisexual men (GBM) are a major risk group for HIV acquisition, yet the majority of higher-risk GBM test for HIV less often than recommended (3–6 monthly). HIV self-testing has the potential to increase testing frequency and improve awareness of personal HIV status. HIV self-tests have been approved in some countries, however there are concerns whether self-testing would increase HIV testing frequency enough to compensate for the reduced sensitivity of self-tests in early infection. We describe here a randomised controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of self-testing in increasing HIV testing frequency among higher-risk GBM, and its acceptability.Methods/designParticipants are higher-risk HIV negative GBM (>5 partners or condomless anal intercourse in previous 3 months; n = 350), including 50 GBM who tested for HIV over two years ago or never tested before (‘infrequent-testers’). Participants are recruited from sexual health clinics and community-based organisations, and randomised 1:1 to either self-testing or standard-care (routine clinic-based testing) arms. The trial employs a wait-list control design: participants in the standard-care arm switch to self-testing arm in the second year, and gain access to self-test kits. Participants in the self-testing arm receive four oral-fluid self-test kits at enrolment, with additional kits provided on request. Demographics, sexual behaviour and HIV testing preferences are collected at baseline, and the frequency and pattern of HIV and sexually transmissible infection (STI) testing is collected via online 3-monthly questionnaires. The acceptability of self-testing is assessed at 12 months via an online questionnaire and in-depth interviews. A 24-h telephone support is provided, with expedited follow-up of those with reactive self-test results. The primary outcome is HIV testing frequency (mean number of HIV tests per person) over 12 months, and the secondary outcomes are: mean number of STI tests (chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis) per person; reasons for HIV testing; and acceptability of HIV self-testing.DiscussionThis is the first trial to evaluate the use of self-testing among GBM in Australia, and the first internationally among infrequent testers. The study will provide evidence on whether self-testing increases HIV testing frequency, and its acceptability among GBM. The findings will improve our understanding of self-testing patterns, and whether GBM supplement or replace their existing testing routine.Trial registrationAustralian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registration number: ACTRN12613001236785, registered on November 12, 2013.

Acceptability and Feasibility of HIV Self-Testing Among Transgender Women in San Francisco: A Mixed Methods Pilot Study.

An estimated one in four transgender women (trans women) in the U.S. are infected with HIV. Rates of HIV testing are not commensurate with their risk, necessitating alternative strategies for early detection and care. We explored the feasibility and acceptability of HIV self-testing (HIVST) with 50 HIV-negative adult trans women in San Francisco. Participants received three self-test kits to perform once a month. Acceptability and behavioral surveys were collected as were 11 in-depthinterviews (IDIs). Among 50 participants, 44 reported utilizing HIVST at least once; 94% reported the test easy to use; 93% said results were easy to read; and 91% would recommend it to others. Most participants (68%) preferred HIVST to clinic-based testing, although price was a key barrier to uptake. IDIs revealed a tension between desires for privacy versus support found at testing sites. HIVST for trans women was acceptable and feasible and requires careful consideration of linkage to support services.

Previous and future use of HIV self-testing: a survey of Australian gay and bisexual men.

Background The awareness and previous and intended use of HIV self-testing (HST), and the associated factors, among Australian gay and bisexual men (GBM) was investigated. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted in Australia during 2012. Of 1410 respondents, 559 non-HIV-positive men answered questions about HST. Men reported reasons for having avoided or delayed HIV testing, most of which could be broadly categorised as: the inconvenience of current testing procedures; concerns about privacy; and a belief that they had not done anything risky. Over one-third of men (39.7%) were aware that HST was available internationally, with 1.6% having accessed HST through online purchase. The majority of men in the study indicated that they would be 'likely' (36.5%) or 'very likely' (34.3%) to use HST if it was available in Australia. Also, 36.7% indicated they would test partners they met at sex-on-site venues, and 73.2% would test partners with whom they were already acquainted. Nearly half (47.6%) indicated that having the capacity to test themselves at home would likely increase their testing frequency. Men who had engaged in unprotected anal intercourse, who were not gay-identified, and who indicated inconvenience issues with using clinic-based HIV testing were more likely to indicate a willingness to use HST. Many men indicated they would be likely to offer HST to at least some of their sex partners. Many GBM who engage in HIV risk behaviours would appreciate HST, and may be encouraged to test more often, as it may alleviate their concerns about testing.

O14.4 Home-based specimen collection forchlamydia trachomatisandneisseria gonorrhoeaetesting does not improve clinical management outcomes: systematic review

Introduction Home-based specimen collection is promoted as an innovative method to improve convenience and uptake of, and reduce barriers to clinic-based Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) testing. It is not known whether this strategy increases successful case management or the impact of screening programmes. The objective of this systematic review was to assess the effectiveness and safety of home-based and clinic-based specimen collection for CT and NG. Methods We searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL and LILACS databases, the Cochrane Sexually Transmitted Infections Group Specialised Register, two trials registers and grey literature up to February 2015. The primary effectiveness outcome was complete case management, defined as completed testing, diagnosis and treatment of index cases with positive test results. Secondary outcomes included testing uptake, test positivity, partner treatment and infections cured. Results We screened 496 unique records and included 10RCTs (6,291 participants). All reported on testing uptake but only three (1,566 people) assessed the primary outcome. There was no difference in complete case management between participants with home- vs. clinic-collected specimens (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.60 to 1.29, I 2 0%). The trials were heterogeneous with respect to test uptake (I 2 100%) but eight reported more participants tested with home- vs. clinic-based testing. In nine studies (2,928 participants) the pooled positive test prevalence was lower in the home-based than the clinic-based group (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.61 to 0.86, I 2 0%). No RCTs evaluated adverse events, rates of partner treatment or infection cure. Conclusion We found no evidence that home- vs. clinic-based specimen collection increased complete case management for CT and NG infections. Testing uptake might increase with home-based specimen collection but heterogeneity between studies was high. Safety and biological outcomes, such as infection cure, of home-based specimen collection strategies need to be evaluated. Disclosure of interest statement The Cochrane Sexually Transmitted Infections Group receives funding from the Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia. No pharmaceutical grants were received in the development of this study.

002.1 Point-of-care testing and immediate treatment of curable sexually transmitted and genital infections among antenatal women in papua new guinea

Background Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) and bacterial vaginosis (BV), are associated with adverse maternal and neonatal health outcomes, particularly preterm birth and low birth weight. These infections are highly prevalent in many low-income settings but remain undiagnosed and therefore untreated in pregnancy because of a lack of suitable diagnostic technology. In 2014, we conducted the first feasibility study of newly-available, easy to use and highly-accurate point-of-care (POC) STI assays in a routine clinical setting in Papua New Guinea (PNG) in preparation for a large-scale field trial to evaluate the potential of this strategy to improve pregnancy outcomes. Methods Women aged 18–35 years attending their first antenatal visit were invited to participate. Following informed consent procedures, women completed a short interview, obstetric examination, and provided self-collected vaginal specimens for clinic-based STI testing, conducted by trained clinic staff: CT/NG and TV were tested using the Cepheid GeneXpert platform, and BV tested using the BVBlue Test. Participants were provided with same-day POC test results, and antibiotic treatment as indicated. Women were also provided routine onsite antenatal HIV and syphilis screening. Results A total of 125 women were enrolled. The prevalence of CT was 20.0%; NG, 11.2%; TV, 37.6%; BV 18.4%; and more than half (67/125) had one or more of these infections. Over 70% of those with a POC-confirmed STI would not have been detected on clinical grounds alone. The prevalence of HIV was 1.6% and active syphilis, 4.0% in this population. All women with an STI and their sexual partners were successfully treated. Conclusion Antenatal POC STI testing and treatment proved feasible in an antenatal setting in PNG. If this strategy is proven to be effective in our future field trial (2015–18), it has the potential to improve pregnancy outcomes in all high-burden, low-income countries worldwide. Disclosure of interest statement Nothing to Disclose

P10.02 Field evaluation of the xpert hpv test for the detection of human papillomavirus infection in women using self-collected vaginal compared to clinician-collected cervical specimens

Background The Cepheid Xpert® HPV Test has high sensitivity and specificity for the detection of HPV infection in women compared to the Roche cobas 4800 HPV assay using cervical specimens. In many high-burden, low-resource countries it will not be feasible to achieve high cervical screening coverage using HPV-DNA technologies that require clinician-collected samples. We are conducting the first evaluation of self-collected vaginal specimens compared to clinician-collected cervical specimens for the detection of HPV infection using the Xpert® HPV Test. This study is being conducted in Papua New Guinea, which has among the highest rates of cervical cancer globally, with an age-standardised incidence of 23.7/100,000 compared to 5.0/100,000 in Australia and New Zealand. Methods Women aged 30–54 years attending two Well Woman Clinics are invited to participate and following informed consent procedures, complete a short interview, clinical examination, and provide self-collected and clinician-collected cytobrush specimens for clinic-based HPV testing. Women are given their cervical test result the same day. Those with a positive HPV test and a positive examination on visual inspection of the cervix with acetic acid are offered same-day cervical cryotherapy. Results A total of 313 women were recruited to end-Feb 2015. There was 94.2% overall percentage agreement (OPA) between vaginal and cervical tests for all high-risk HPV (hrHPV) types; 100% OPA for HPV-16; and 99.7% OPA for HPV 18/45. Based on cervical test results, the prevalence of HPV-16 was 4.2% (13/313); HPV 18/45 was 1.6% (5/313); and other hrHPV, 11.8% (37/313). Overall, 15.7% (49/313) of participants had one or more hrHPV infection. Conclusion Preliminary results suggest that self-collected vaginal specimens compare favourably to clinician-collected cervical specimens for the detection of HPV infection using the Xpert® HPV Test. If confirmed, this finding is likely to have significant implications for future HPV-based cervical screening programs in high-burden, low-resource settings worldwide. Disclosure of interest statement Nothing to Disclose.

Home-based HIV testing for men preferred over clinic-based testing by pregnant women and their male partners, a nested cross-sectional study.

BackgroundMale partner HIV testing and counseling (HTC) is associated with enhanced uptake of prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT), yet male HTC during pregnancy remains low. Identifying settings preferred by pregnant women and their male partners may improve male involvement in PMTCT.MethodsParticipants in a randomized clinical trial (NCT01620073) to improve male partner HTC were interviewed to determine whether the preferred male partner HTC setting was the home, antenatal care (ANC) clinic or VCT center. In this nested cross sectional study, responses were evaluated at baseline and after 6 weeks. Differences between the two time points were compared using McNemar’s test and correlates of preference were determined using logistic regression.ResultsAmong 300 pregnant female participants, 54 % preferred home over ANC clinic testing (34.0 %) or VCT center (12.0 %). Among 188 male partners, 68 % preferred home-based HTC to antenatal clinic (19 %) or VCT (13 %). Men who desired more children and women who had less than secondary education or daily income < $2 USD were more likely to prefer home-based over other settings (p < 0.05 for all comparisons). At 6 weeks, the majority of male (81 %) and female (65 %) participants recommended home over alternative HTC venues. Adjusting for whether or not the partner was tested during follow-up did not significantly alter preferences.ConclusionsPregnant women and their male partners preferred home-based compared to clinic or VCT-center based male partner HTC. Home-based HTC during pregnancy appears acceptable and may improve male testing and involvement in PMTCT.

Willingness to test for BRCA1/2 in high risk women: Influenced by risk perception and family experience, rather than by objective or subjective numeracy?

AbstractGenetic testing for breast and ovarian cancer can help target prevention programs, and possibly reduce morbidity and mortality. A positive result ofBRCA1/2is a substantial risk factor for breast and ovarian cancer, and its detection often leads to risk reduction interventions such as increased screening, prophylactic mastectomy and oophorectomy. We examined predictors of the decision to undergo cancer related genetic testing: perceived risk, family risk of breast or ovarian cancer, and numeracy as predictors of the decision to test among women at high risk of breast cancer. Stepwise regression analysis of survey responses from 459 women registered in the Cancer Genetics Network revealed greater likelihood to test for women with more family history, higher perceived risk of mutation, or Ashkenazi descent. Neither subjective nor objective numeracy was associated with the decision to test, although we replicated an earlier finding that subjective numeracy predicted willingness to pay for testing. Findings underscore the need for genetic counselling that disentangles risk perception from objective information to promote better decision-making in the context of genetic testing. Highlighting these factors is crucial for public health campaigns, as well as to clinic-based testing and direct-to-consumer testing.

Bridging barriers to clinic-based HIV testing with new technology: translating self-implemented testing for African American youth.

Numerous barriers to clinic-based HIV testing exist (e.g., stigmatization) for African American youth. These barriers may be addressed by new technology, specifically HIV self-implemented testing (SIT). We conducted a series of formative phase 3 translation studies (49 face-to-face interviews, 9 focus groups, 1 advisory panel review) among low-income African American youth (15-19years) and providers of adolescent services in two US cities to identify potential translation difficulties of the OraQuick SIT. Based on content analysis, we found that providers and African American youth viewed SITs positively compared to clinic-based testing. Data suggest that SITs may reduce social stigma and privacy concerns and increase convenience and normalization of HIV testing. Challenges with SIT implementation include difficulties accessing confirmatory testing, coping with adverse outcomes, and instructional materials that may be inappropriate for low socioeconomic status (SES) persons. Study results underscore the need for translation studies to identify specific comprehension and implementation problems African American youth may have with oral SITs.

An online study combining the constructs from the theory of planned behaviour and protection motivation theory in predicting intention to test for chlamydia in two testing contexts

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection that has potentially serious consequences unless detected and treated early. The health service in the UK offers clinic-based testing for chlamydia but uptake is low. Identifying the predictors of testing behaviours may inform interventions to increase uptake. Self-tests for chlamydia may facilitate testing and treatment in people who avoid clinic-based testing. Self-testing and being tested by a health care professional (HCP) involve two contrasting contexts that may influence testing behaviour. However, little is known about how predictors of behaviour differ as a function of context. In this study, theoretical models of behaviour were used to assess factors that may predict intention to test in two different contexts: self-testing and being tested by a HCP. Individuals searching for or reading about chlamydia testing online were recruited using Google Adwords. Participants completed an online questionnaire that addressed previous testing behaviour and measured constructs of the Theory of Planned Behaviour and Protection Motivation Theory, which propose a total of eight possible predictors of intention. The questionnaire was completed by 310 participants. Sufficient data for multiple regression were provided by 102 and 118 respondents for self-testing and testing by a HCP respectively. Intention to self-test was predicted by vulnerability and self-efficacy, with a trend-level effect for response efficacy. Intention to be tested by a HCP was predicted by vulnerability, attitude and subjective norm. Thus, intentions to carry out two testing behaviours with very similar goals can have different predictors depending on test context. We conclude that interventions to increase self-testing should be based on evidence specifically related to test context.

Home sampling for sexually transmitted infections and HIV in men who have sex with men: a prospective observational study.

To determine uptake of home sampling kit (HSK) for STI/HIV compared to clinic-based testing, whether the availability of HSK would increase STI testing rates amongst HIV infected MSM, and those attending a community-based HIV testing clinic compared to historical control. Prospective observational study in three facilities providing STI/HIV testing services in Brighton, UK was conducted. Adult MSM attending/contacting a GUM clinic requesting an STI screen (group 1), HIV infected MSM attending routine outpatient clinic (group 2), and MSM attending a community-based rapid HIV testing service (group 3) were eligible. Participants were required to have no symptomatology consistent with STI and known to be immune to hepatitis A and B (group 1). Eligible men were offered a HSK to obtain self-collected specimens as an alternative to routine testing. HSK uptake compared to conventional clinic-based STI/HIV testing in group 1, increase in STI testing rates due to availability of HSK compared to historical controls in group 2 and 3, and HSK return rates in all settings were calculated. Among the 128 eligible men in group 1, HSK acceptance was higher (62.5% (95% CI: 53.5–70.9)) compared to GUM clinic-based testing (37.5% (95% CI: 29.1–46.5)), (p = 0.0004). Two thirds of eligible MSM offered an HSK in all three groups accepted it, but HSK return rates varied (highest in group 1, 77.5%, lowest in group 3, 16%). HSK for HIV testing was acceptable to 81% of men in group 1. Compared to historical controls, availability of HSK increased the proportion of MSM testing for STIs in group 2 but not in group 3. HSK for STI/HIV offers an alternative to conventional clinic-based testing for MSM seeking STI screening. It significantly increases STI testing uptake in HIV infected MSM. HSK could be considered as an adjunct to clinic-based services to further improve STI/HIV testing in MSM.

The effect of disease risk probability and disease type on interest in clinic-based versus direct-to-consumer genetic testing services.

The effect of disease-specific cognitions on interest in clinic-based and direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing was assessed. Participants (N=309) responded to an online hypothetical scenario and received genetic testing-related messages that varied by risk probability (25, 50, 75%) and disease type (Alzheimer's disease vs. Type 2 Diabetes). Post-manipulation interest increased for both testing types, but was greater for clinic-based testing. Interest was greater for Type 2 Diabetes than for Alzheimer's disease, the latter perceived as more severe and likely, and less treatable and preventable. For DTC testing only, participants allocated to the high risk condition (75%) had greater testing interest than those in the low (25%) category. DTC testing is perceived as a viable, but less preferred, option compared with clinic-based testing. Particularly when considering DTC genetic testing, there is a need to emphasize subjective disease-related perceptions, including risk probability.

Predictors of HIV-infection during routine clinic-based HIV testing in Nakivale Refugee settlement in SW Uganda

Predictors of HIV-infection during routine clinic-based HIV testing in Nakivale Refugee settlement in SW Uganda

Finding HIV in hard to reach populations: mobile HIV testing and geospatial mapping in Umlazi township, Durban, South Africa.

Mobile, community-based HIV testing may help achieve universal HIV testing in South Africa. We compared the yield, geographic distribution, and demographic characteristics of populations tested by mobile- and clinic-based HIV testing programs deployed by iThembalabantu Clinic in Durban, South Africa. From July to November 2011, 4,701 subjects were tested; HIV prevalence was 35% among IPHC testers and 10% among mobile testers (p<0.001). Mobile testers varied in mean age (22-37years) and % males (26-67%). HIV prevalence at mobile sites ranged from 0 to 26%. Testers traveled further than the clinic closest to their home; mobile testers were more likely to test ≥5km away from home. Mobile HIV testing can improve testing access and identify testing sites with high HIV prevalence. Individuals often access mobile testing sites farther from home than their nearest clinic. Geospatial techniques can help optimize deployment of mobile units to maximize yield in hard-to-reach populations.

Clinic-based routine voluntary HIV testing in a refugee settlement in Uganda.

We implemented and evaluated a clinic-based routine voluntary HIV testing intervention in Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda. Comparing the standard of care period (40 d) with the intervention period (168 d), the mean HIV-infected clients identified per week increased from 0.9 to 5.6, and there was no significant difference between the HIV prevalence in the 2 periods (standard of care: 3.3%; intervention: 4.5%; P > 0.5). Clinic-based routine HIV testing in a refugee settlement is effective and should be considered for implementation in refugee settlements in other high-prevalence regions in sub-Saharan Africa.