Access Barriers in Testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections across Gender and Sexual Identities

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are steadily increasing in incidence. Marginalized communities across social categories (race, ethnicity, gender, and sexuality) face the heaviest burden, including Black, indigenous, Latino, queer (gay, bisexual), transgender, and nonbinary populations. These disparities persist even when controlled for high-risk sexual behaviors. The laboratory maintains a responsibility to develop and offer appropriate testing for all communities. This review aims to integrate the clinical laboratory's role in building sexual health testing options across genders and sexual behaviors with a focus on molecular, swab-based testing.