Point‐of‐care testing in Community pharmacies to expand access to treatment for sexually transmitted infections

Abstract Sexually transmitted infections are a significant cost burden on the US healthcare system. Costs could be reduced by earlier diagnosis and treatment, which is difficult given the barriers that exist. Community pharmacy testing could help reduce those barriers. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of how community pharmacies can become involved in sexually transmitted infection (STI) point‐of‐care testing (POCT), including potential benefits and considerations for implementation. These tests can detect from one to three STIs (trichomonas, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and/or syphilis). Sensitivity/positive percent agreement and specificity/negative percent agreement are relatively high for all platforms (83%–100% and 95% to >99%, respectively). Pharmacies will need to meet state and federal certification requirements, including obtaining a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) waiver or equivalent lab certification from states that are exempted from requiring a CLIA certificate (New York and Washington). Various approaches for offering STI services were identified in the literature, including collecting STI tests and treating patients who test positive. Pharmacies interested in offering STI services must carefully consider the factors involved in developing the program. With the appropriate training, support, legislative authority, and reimbursement, pharmacists can help address this public health need.