Self-collection of samples for sexually transmitted infections
WHO recommendations on self-care interventions
Overview
Self-collection of samples (SCS) occurs when individuals take a specimen themselves, either at a health-care facility or elsewhere (including at home), and give it to their health-care provider or send it to a laboratory for testing. The health-care provider or laboratory then returns the result to the individual. In the case of positive test result, the individual is linked with treatment and support.
WHO recommends that self-collection of samples for gonorrhoea and chlamydia should be made available as an additional approach to deliver STI testing services.
WHO recommends that self-collection of samples for syphilis and trichomoniasis may be considered as an additional approach to deliver STI testing services