Methodology: 3/5
Usefulness: 2.5/5
Question and Methods: RCT of women receiving pelvic testing for CT/NG comparing standard of care test (NAAT) vs. POC test (GeneXpert). Treatment was at the discretion of the clinician
Findings:
- CT undertreatment rate difference –46.2%; 95% CI -73.3% to -19.2%
- NG undertreatment rate difference –57.1%; 95% CI -93.8% to -20.5%
- CT Overtreatment rate difference –23.4%; 95% CI –35.3% to –11.5%
- NG Overtreatment rate difference –21.3%; 95% CI –33.1% to –9.5%
Limitations: Single urban inner city ED with small sample sizes; patients in rapid test group not required to wait for results; patients treated at clinician discretion.
Interpretation: Point of care testing for STI may optimize treatment and be of particular benefit in certain populations but more research is needed.
