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HALIFAX, N.S. – A Nova Scotia Health-led research study is partnering with four pharmacies in HRM to provide sexually transmitted infection testing for those not showing symptoms.
Modeled after other studies, Swab-Rx aims to find out how people feel about getting self tests and treatment for chlamydia and gonorrhea from a pharmacist.
Chlamydia and gonorrhea are the most common sexually transmitted infections in Canada. Most chlamydia infections, and many gonorrhea infections do not present obvious symptoms. Without testing, many go undiagnosed, and not knowing means infections go untreated and may unintentionally be passed to sexual partners.
“Many Nova Scotians lack access to chlamydia and gonorrhea testing if they do not have a primary care provider or local sexual health centre,” said Dr. Tasha Ramsey, co-principal investigator and Nova Scotia Health Emerging and Re-Emerging Infections Clinical Therapeutics and Prophylactics lead. “The Swab-Rx study will explore community pharmacies as a new chlamydia and gonorrhea self-testing setting that may help fill this gap and link people with care.”
Participants tested through the Swab-Rx study can self-collect four types of samples: rectal swab, vaginal/front hole swab, throat swab, and urine test. A participating pharmacist will privately ask questions to determine which tests are right for the participant.
Participants will self-collect samples on-site in a washroom near the pharmacy. The pharmacist will provide participants with their results in approximately one week.
Participants diagnosed with a chlamydia or gonorrhea infection through the Swab-Rx study will then access treatment from a study pharmacist.
Self-testing is available in four pharmacies throughout Halifax Regional Municipality for the next six months, with the goal of recruiting 100 participants. Testing will be by drop-in or appointment.
Participating pharmacies:
You may be eligible to participate if you are 18 years or older, have a valid Nova Scotia health card, and understand English.
To participate in the study, call a participating pharmacy and ask for chlamydia or gonorrhea management services or say you are interested in the Swab-Rx study. You may ask questions about the study with no obligation to participate. You may also contact the research team via e-mail at swab-rx@nshealth.ca for more information.
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