How does online postal self-sampling (OPSS) shape access to testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? A qualitative study of service users

This pilot study demonstrated that a fully remote web-based testing programme for sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections was feasible and acceptable overall, although participants encountered specific collection challenges with the dried blood spot component.

Comprehensive at-home sexually transmitted and blood borne infection (STBBI) testing program: A pilot study — Christensen et al., International journal of STD & AIDS · source ↗

• blood
• urine
• dried
• dbs
• self-collection
• acceptability
• sti

The study found that the Test2Know postal self-sampling service was highly acceptable and usable, with nearly 90% of users willing to reuse or recommend it, and it reached individuals at risk who had not previously tested for HIV or STIs. This supports the role of decentralised, patient-centric microsampling in expanding access to sexual health testing.

Acceptability, usability, and user experiences of an online postal self-sampling approach for HIV and STI testing in Belgium: Test2Know — De Baetselier et al., International journal of STD & AIDS (paywalled) · source ↗

• acceptability
• blood
• sti
• self-collection
• serology

A home-based PrEP follow-up programme using self-collected specimens and remote monitoring was evaluated among predominantly Black and Latino men who have sex with men in South Florida. Only 37.5% elected home-based care, with completion rates falling from 48.3% at first follow-up to 15% by the third, and most returned to clinic care citing discomfort with self-collection and logistical barriers, highlighting that decentralised HIV prevention requires enhanced support to achieve equitable uptake and persistence.

PrEP Beyond the Clinic: Evaluation of a Home-Based PrEP Follow-Up System Among a Cohort of Predominantly Black and Latino Men who Have Sex with Men in South Florida — Butts et al., Journal of acquired immune deficiency syndromes (paywalled) · source ↗

• blood
• urine
• self-collection
• acceptability
• sti

Non-invasive HPV self-sampling kits such as first-void urine and menstrual blood devices may increase screening participation among non-Western ethnic minority women by addressing cultural beliefs about virginity and body autonomy.

"Well, that Was Pretty Clever!"-Ethnic Minority Women's Views on HPV Self-Sampling Devices for Cervical Cancer Screening: Attitudes to Brushes, First-Void Urine, and Menstrual Blood Devices — Hald et al., Journal of racial and ethnic health disparities · source ↗

• acceptability
• first-void
• blood
• sti
• self-collection
• hpv
• urine

Among 133 users of HIV self-sampling and self-testing in the Netherlands, the commonest reason for choosing this route was saving time, followed by anonymity and avoiding a GP visit. However, 22% encountered problems, with seven in ten of those struggling to obtain enough blood from a finger prick, showing that while self-testing expands reach, blood collection remains a key usability hurdle for decentralised HIV screening.

Self-sampling and self-testing for HIV at a commercial and community-based test provider in the Netherlands: user preferences and usability — Willemstein et al., BMC health services research · source ↗

• blood
• capillary
• self-collection
• acceptability
• serology
• sti