Audit of Postal Test Kits in Edinburgh for Chlamydia trachomatis as an alternative to genitourinary medicine clinic attendance

Abstract

Our objective was to investigate whether Postal Test Kits (PTKs) for Chlamydia trachomatis in Edinburgh offer an alternative to genitourinary (GU) medicine clinic attendance. All PTKs returned in the Edinburgh area over a six-month period from August 2005 were audited. Data on age and previous access to GU medicine services were collected. Return rates of kits from various sources were calculated. In all, 799 kits were returned with 72 (9%) chlamydia prevalence, and 10% had previously attended a GU medicine clinic. The largest proportion of kits were used by the 16–29 years old age group. Return rates of kits varied with distribution point, with only 15% returned from GU medicine. PTKs appear to be targeting an appropriate high-risk age group and a population not otherwise accessing GU medicine clinics. However, return rates are low and kits do not offer an adequate alternative to GU medicine clinics.