Changes in STD Testing Protocol at Cherry Creek Clinic: Implications and Concerns
A recent change in protocol at UCHealth’s Cherry Creek clinic has drawn attention and concern among patients and healthcare advocacy groups. The clinic’s decision to stop allowing male patients to perform self-swabs for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) has raised concerns about potential gaps in testing access, particularly for the gay and bisexual populations.
The Impact on Patients
Sean O’Connor, a patient living in Denver, expressed that the previous self-swabbing procedure was highly convenient. It allowed users to take their own samples in minutes for testing chlamydia and gonorrhea without the need for repeated doctor visits. With the change in protocol, patients now have to schedule appointments with providers to undergo testing, which can be both less convenient and more intrusive.
O’Connor underscored that the clinic’s capacity limits their ability to quickly accommodate all patients, making it difficult for those requiring ongoing or frequent testing to access the service efficiently.
Manufacturer’s Compliance and Safety Concerns
Dan Weaver, the spokesman for UCHealth, explained that the specific swabbing machine in use only allows self-swabbing of the vagina and cannot be processed by following undefined protocols for other body parts. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves the machine under specific conditions, which include the end user following established directions. In light of limitations imposed by the machine’s design, UCHealth had no choice but to adjust their procedures to ensure patient safety.
In response to the change, health equity manager Skylar Patron from One Colorado is assessing how this new policy will affect the testing landscape in Denver. While a program offered by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment allows patients to self-swab at home, take-up rates are relatively low.
Prevalence of STIs and the Need for Accessibility
The concern that this new requirement might lead to reduced testing for STIs is valid, especially considering the recent rise in chlamydia and gonorrhea infections in Colorado and across the nation. As of 2023, Denver alone reported 6,098 cases of chlamydia and 2,428 cases of gonorrhea, highlighting the ongoing epidemiology challenges.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have recognized self-collected swabs as an acceptable mean for male patients to test for chlamydia or gonorrhea. A small study at a community health center found that patients preferred rectal self-swabbing and reported high success rates without provider assistance.
The Way Forward: Potential Solutions
Rising rates of certain STIs necessitate accessible and stigma-free testing options. O’Connor expressed hope that a new vendor or machine could facilitate the return of self-swabbing procedures. This would not only enhance convenience but also potentially address some of the stigma attached to more traditional testing methods.
Conclusion
The recent changes in testing procedures at UCHealth’s Cherry Creek clinic have been met with strong reactions, reflecting the dual concerns of patient convenience and safety. While the current guidelines are necessary for accurate testing, it is crucial to increase accessibility to STI testing. Both medical providers and local health agencies need to work together to ensure that options are widely available and reduce the barriers to essential health services.
Call to Action
If you or someone else needs to get tested for STIs, consider reaching out to local public health resources or community health centers that offer at-home testing kits. Staying informed and proactive is essential in managing and reducing the prevalence of STIs in our community.
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