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 microbiological investigations for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis and Trichomonas vaginalis was assessed in female attenders of the genitourinary medicine clinic in Coventry and Warwickshire Hospital. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the possibility of offering this method of investigation to workers in the sex industry, who are reluctant to attend GUM Clinics. This Pilot Study aimed at assessing the feasibility and acceptability of self sampling of the secretions of the lower genital tract by female patients and its reliability in the detection of sexually transmitted infections. The analysis of the data from 75 participants, indicated that 7 infections were detected on patient sampling as compared to 11 on samples taken by a physician. Self sampling may prove a valuable alternative for the sex industry workers who are reluctant to attend GUM clinics.