A Narrative Review of Remote Biospecimen Collection Product and Implementation Considerations for Sexual Health...

Area of Science:

• Clinical Research Methodology
• Public Health
• Biomedical Diagnostics

Background:

• Remote biospecimen collection (RBSC) is increasingly vital in clinical research, particularly in sexual health intervention trials.
• It offers benefits like expanded participant reach, reduced burden, and increased comfort compared to traditional clinic visits.
• Variability in RBSC products and implementation strategies necessitates standardized guidance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review available RBSC products, detailing their attributes and suitability for diverse clinical research needs.
• To discuss RBSC implementation considerations across all collection stages, drawing on HIV research expertise.
• To provide a roadmap for integrating RBSC into clinical trials.

Main Methods:

• Narrative review of RBSC products, including blood-based microsampling and self-administered testing kits.
• Discussion of implementation strategies based on authors' extensive experience in HIV prevention and treatment research.
• Analysis of participant-centered approaches for maximizing specimen return rates.

Main Results:

• An overview of various RBSC products (e.g., dried blood spots, volumetric absorptive microsampling) and their applications.
• Identification of key considerations for successful RBSC implementation, emphasizing a multidisciplinary, participant-focused approach.
• Highlighting the importance of adequate time allocation for complex RBSC procedures.

Conclusions:

• RBSC is a valuable tool for clinical research, offering significant advantages in participant engagement and data collection.
• Careful product selection and strategic implementation are crucial for maximizing the benefits of RBSC.
• This review provides a practical framework to guide researchers in adopting RBSC effectively in clinical trials.