Protect Yourself and the One you Love – Get Tested
What We Know
In a COVID-19 world, many routine healthcare services, including Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) healthcare services as been affected. According to the CDC and other valid sources, COVID-19 has continued to reveal the underlying effects of “systemic health and social inequities that put racial and ethnic minority groups and other populations at increased risk of infection.” In 2018, it was recorded that nearly half of those infected, were between the ages of 15 and 24 years old. Statistics also showed that many were women who were being treated for more severe STI outcomes.
Prior to the pandemic, there was a large scientific gap in research and information when it comes to STI prevention and screening. Due to the negative stigma around testing, and the lack of proper education and testing facilities that affect certain demographics and minority groups, it has been difficult to get a population-based STI screening estimate to provide a more clear picture of the STI epidemic.
Due to COVID-19, there have been so many changes to healthcare services protocols, it has caused more of a gap in research and many are no longer following up with routine screenings or regular check-ups to avoid close contact in healthcare facilities. Healthcare providers are finding innovative strategies to address the critical state of the STI epidemic that includes the following:
- Express clinics that allow walk-in STI testing and treatment without undergoing a full exam.
- Partnering with pharmacies and health clinics to provide more STI service locations including on-site testing and treatment.
- Telemedicine appointments with healthcare professionals who can support the patient through self-testing, and self-collection, and treatment options.
Who Should Get Tested for Sexually Transmitted Infections
No matter what age or the status of your relationship, If you are sexually active, getting tested for STIs is extremely important to your overall health and the best way to protect yourself. Having open and honest conversations with your Primary Care Physician or OG/GYN about your sexual history or concerns and scheduling regular screenings is a great way to protect yourself and your loved ones from the potential risks of Sexually Transmitted Infections. If you are uncomfortable with speaking with your doctor, or are concerned about the cost, there are available resources and clinics that provide care and routine testing.
Why choose the DTPM STI Molecular Testing Panel?
DTPM offers Advanced Diagnostic Testing for physicians, clinicians, and healthcare facilities. Our goal is to provide clear, accurate diagnostic reports, empowering clinicians to make the most informed treatment decisions. We even offer interpretive services for complex, molecular genetics test results, where the informed analysis of field experts can be of invaluable assistance.
Accuracy & Quick Results:
Provide patients with the quickest and most accurate results possible, which in turn allows the healthcare provider to provide an accurate diagnosis:
- Expedited patient results
- Identifies pathogens which are difficult to culture
- Yields greater than 95% analytical sensitivity and specificity
- Multiple collection techniques
- Direct access to experience scientific staff
- Personal customer service experience
Pathogens Detected by the DTPM STI Molecular Testing Panel:
- Chlamydia trachomatis
- Gardnerella vaginalis
- Haemophilus ducreyi
- Herpes simplex 1
- Herpes simplex 2
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae
- Mycoplasma genitalium
- Mycoplasma hominis
- Treponema pallidum
- Trichomonas vaginalis
- Ureaplasma urealyticum
Collection Methods Applicable to the DTPM STI Molecular Testing Panel:
The DTPM Sexually Transmitted Infection panel can use samples collected with the following types, in accordance with FDA standards:
- Urine C&S Tube
- Endocervical Swab
- Cervical Brush with Pap Smear media
- Urethral Swab
