Lessons Learned From the Implementation of a Pilot Study on Self-collected Specimen Return by Sexual Minority Men (Project Caboodle!): Qualitative Exploration
Sallabank et al.
The finding, in our words
University branding increased trust and confidence in results, plain packaging promoted discretion, and colour‑coded bags with matching instructions reduced confusion; participants recommended instructional videos, tailored test options, real‑time introductions and personalised reminders to maximise return rates.
A paraphrase to the Library’s standard, never the abstract. The source is one link away and is always the authority.
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.
Christensen et al., International journal of STD & AIDS · source ↗
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.
Butts et al., Journal of acquired immune deficiency syndromes (paywalled) · source ↗
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.
Hald et al., Journal of racial and ethnic health disparities · source ↗
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.
Willemstein et al., BMC health services research · source ↗
The Tasso+ device, which uses a vacuum to collect capillary blood from the upper arm, gathered an average of 536 microlitres of whole blood from 47 men who have sex with men using PrEP, with 91% of samples sufficient for HIV testing and 89% for syphilis testing. Acceptability was high, with 87% expressing a positive attitude and 77% willing to use the device again for home self-sampling.
Goense et al., Sexually transmitted diseases (paywalled) · source ↗