The GU Clinic is currently looking to recruit 700 men who have sex with men for 2 point of care test (POCT) projects.
The projects are:
Clinic-based Evaluation of Dual Point-Of-Care Tests for the Screening of HIV and Syphilis in Men Who Have Sex with Men
Clinic-based Evaluation of Point-Of-Care Tests for the Screening of Chlamydial and Gonococcal Infections in Men Who Have Sex with Men
The criteria for recruitment irrespective of HIV status and Syphilis status are :
MSM ( Men who have sex with men )
18 years of age or older
Haven't previously been recruited in the project
Patients may opt to be enrolled in one or both projects simultaneously. Anyone who has already been enrolled for the HIV/Syphilis Dual POCT can be enrolled for the Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea POCT.
Tests are being performed to validate these new point of care tests for future use.
What do the projects entail?
1. HIV / Syphilis dual POCT
A short questionnaire filled in during the consultation with the doctor
GU Clinic's routine tests ( Bloods, swabs and urine )
A finger prick test ( result will not be available on the day )
2. NG/CT POCT
A short questionnaire filled in during the consultation with the doctor
GU Clinic's routine tests ( Bloods, swabs and urine )
2 extra throat swabs and 2 extra rectal swabs ( Total of 3 throat swabs and 3 rectal swabs )
Results for both projects will not be available at POCT and will be validated with the current tests done at Mater Dei Hospital
If interested kindly email GU Clinic on guclinic@gov.mt with subject title "POCT enrolment request" with following information
Name and Surname
Contact Number
Project interested in being enrolled in
You will then be contacted to set up your visit accordingly.
