SELF SAMPLING AS PART OF SCREENING FOR SEXUALLY-TRANSMITTED DISEASES IN CLINIC ATTENDERS - A PRELIMINARY-STUDY

Self sampling of the secretions of the female genital tract for microb iological investigations for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachoma tis and Trichomonas vaginalis was assessed in female attenders of the genitourinary medicine clinic in Coventry and Warwickshire Hospital. T he purpose of the study was to evaluate the possibility of offering th is method of investigation to workers in the sex industry, who are rel uctant to attend GUM Clinics. This Pilot Study aimed at assessing the feasibility and acceptability of self sampling of the secretions of th e lower genital tract by female patients and its reliability in the de tection of sexually transmitted infections. The analysis of the data f rom 75 participants, indicated that 7 infections were detected on pati ent sampling as compared to 11 on samples taken by a physician. Self s ampling may prove a valuable alternative for the sex industry workers who are reluctant to attend GUM clinics.