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Anne Rompalo, MD, ScM

What are sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and why do we care? What is point of care testing (POCT)? What do clinicians and patients want and need from the POCT for STIs?

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What are sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and why do we care? What is point of care testing (POCT)? What do clinicians and patients want and need from the POCT for STIs?

Point of care testing, or medical diagnostic testing done at the time of patient care, is an important tool for the treatment of sexually transmitted infections. This course looks at point of care testing for sexually transmitted infections from the perspective of the clinician, the patient, and the regulatory environment.

Learners will hear from experts about the basics of sexually transmitted infections, the methods of diagnosis, and then dive more deeply into the why and how of point of care testing.

Note: This course discusses the specifics of sexually transmitted infections in detail, including photos of genitalia exhibiting symptoms of these infections.

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What's inside

Syllabus

STIs: What are they and why do we care?
Bacterial STIs
Viral STIs, Diagnosing STIs, and STI Clinical Services
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STI POCTs: Are they currently used and how?

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores the importance of point-of-care testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in detail
Taught by experts in the field of sexually transmitted infections
Covers both the basics and advanced topics related to STI POCTs, making it suitable for learners with varying levels of knowledge
Provides practical insights into the clinical application of STI POCTs
Suitable for healthcare professionals, researchers, and anyone interested in gaining a comprehensive understanding of STI POCTs
May be particularly valuable for clinicians who want to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in STI diagnostics

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Point of Care Testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections with these activities:
Review basic microbiology techniques
Reviewing basic microbiology techniques will help refresh your knowledge and skills in this area, which will be beneficial for understanding the laboratory methods used for STI diagnosis.
Browse courses on Microbiology
Show steps
  • Review your notes and textbooks on basic microbiology techniques.
  • Watch online tutorials or videos on basic microbiology techniques.
Volunteer at a local STI clinic
Volunteering at a local STI clinic will give you hands-on experience in STI diagnosis and patient care, which will complement the theoretical knowledge you gain in the course.
Show steps
  • Contact local STI clinics and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Attend training and orientation sessions provided by the clinic.
  • Assist with patient care, such as taking vital signs, collecting specimens, and providing health education.
Read about bacterial STIs
Reviewing bacterial STIs will help you lay a foundation for the course and provide you more context for the various methods of diagnosis.
Show steps
  • Read the provided article on bacterial STIs.
  • Take notes on the different types of bacterial STIs, their symptoms, and treatments.
Ten other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 13 activities
STI Testing Techniques
Expand your knowledge of STI testing techniques by following guided online tutorials.
Show steps
  • Search for reputable online resources that provide tutorials on STI testing
  • Follow the instructions in the tutorials to learn about different testing methods
  • Practice the techniques using simulated samples or case studies
  • Review your results and compare them to the expected outcomes
Tutorial on point-of-care testing (POCT) for STIs
Watching the tutorial on point-of-care testing (POCT) will help you understand the different types of POCTs, their advantages, and limitations.
Show steps
  • Watch the provided tutorial on point-of-care testing for STIs.
  • Take notes on the different types of POCTs, their advantages, and limitations.
Flashcards for STIs
Reinforce your understanding of different STIs and their symptoms by creating and studying flashcards.
Show steps
  • List the different STIs covered in the course
  • Identify the symptoms associated with each STI
  • Create a flashcard for each STI, including its name, symptoms, and any other relevant information
  • Regularly review your flashcards to commit the information to memory
STI Case Study Discussion
Deepen your understanding of STI diagnosis and treatment by analyzing real-life case studies with peers.
Show steps
  • Review the provided case study materials
  • Identify key information about the patient's history, symptoms, and test results
  • Discuss possible diagnoses and treatment options with your peers
  • Consider the ethical and legal implications of the case
  • Present your findings and recommendations to the group
Discussion forum: POCT for STIs
Participating in the discussion forum on POCT for STIs will allow you to share your knowledge and learn from others, while also helping you to better understand the challenges and opportunities of using POCTs for STI diagnosis.
Show steps
  • Read the provided discussion prompts and share your thoughts.
  • Respond to the posts of other participants and engage in discussions.
STI Education Poster
Enhance your understanding of STI prevention and transmission by creating an educational poster.
Show steps
  • Research different STIs, their symptoms, and methods of transmission
  • Gather data on STI prevalence and risk factors
  • Design a poster that effectively communicates the information in a visually appealing way
  • Consider including statistics, images, and clear explanations
  • Present your poster to your classmates or share it online
Case study: STI diagnosis
Creating a case study on STI diagnosis will help you practice the skills you're learning in the course and better understand the challenges and considerations involved in STI diagnosis in a clinical setting.
Show steps
  • Choose a case study from the provided options or create your own.
  • Analyze the case study and identify the relevant symptoms and history.
  • Develop a differential diagnosis and order appropriate tests.
  • Interpret the test results and make a diagnosis.
  • Write a report summarizing your findings and recommendations.
STI Awareness Campaign
Gain practical experience and contribute to STI awareness by volunteering for a local campaign.
Show steps
  • Identify local organizations that conduct STI awareness campaigns
  • Contact the organizations and inquire about volunteer opportunities
  • Participate in outreach events, educational programs, or other activities
  • Share accurate information about STIs and promote prevention measures
  • Reflect on your experience and identify ways to continue advocating for STI awareness
Create a study guide
Creating a study guide will help you review and organize the materials you have learned in the course, and will be a valuable resource for you when preparing for the final exam.
Show steps
  • Review your notes and the provided course materials.
  • Identify the key concepts and topics covered in the course.
  • Summarize the key concepts and topics in a concise and organized manner.
Contribute to an open-source POCT project
Contributing to an open-source POCT project will allow you to apply your skills and knowledge to a real-world project, while also helping to advance the field of POCT for STI diagnosis.
Show steps
  • Find an open-source POCT project that you are interested in contributing to.
  • Contact the project maintainers and express your interest in contributing.
  • Follow the project's contribution guidelines and make a contribution.

Career center

Learners who complete Point of Care Testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Infection Control Nurse
Infection Control Nurses plan and implement infection prevention and control programs in healthcare facilities. The course content on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and point of care testing (POCT) for STIs provides a solid foundation for this role. Understanding the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of STIs is crucial for developing effective infection control measures. Furthermore, knowledge of POCT for STIs enables Infection Control Nurses to evaluate and implement appropriate testing strategies to prevent and control the spread of these infections in healthcare settings.
Clinical Laboratory Scientist
Clinical Laboratory Scientists perform a wide range of laboratory tests to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. The course on POCT for STIs provides valuable insights into the principles and methods of POCT, which is becoming increasingly important in clinical laboratories. Understanding the specific requirements and challenges of STI testing in a point-of-care setting is essential for Clinical Laboratory Scientists to ensure accurate and timely results.
STI Counselor
STI Counselors provide information and support to individuals who have or are at risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The course on POCT for STIs equips learners with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively counsel patients and promote STI prevention. Understanding the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of STIs enables STI Counselors to provide accurate information and support to their clients.
Public Health Nurse
Public Health Nurses work to prevent and control diseases within communities. The course on POCT for STIs provides a solid foundation for this role by addressing the public health aspects of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Understanding the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of STIs is essential for developing and implementing effective public health interventions to prevent and control the spread of these infections in communities.
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists investigate the causes and patterns of diseases within populations. The course on POCT for STIs provides a valuable introduction to the principles and methods of epidemiology, with a focus on sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Understanding the epidemiology of STIs is crucial for Epidemiologists to conduct research and develop effective strategies for prevention and control.
Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare Administrators plan, organize, and manage healthcare facilities and services. The course on POCT for STIs provides insights into the challenges and opportunities of implementing point-of-care testing in healthcare settings. Understanding the benefits, limitations, and regulatory considerations of POCT is essential for Healthcare Administrators to make informed decisions and ensure the effective implementation of these technologies.
Physician Assistant
Physician Assistants provide healthcare services under the supervision of a physician. The course on POCT for STIs equips learners with the knowledge and skills to perform point-of-care testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in clinical settings. Understanding the principles and methods of POCT empowers Physician Assistants to provide timely and accurate diagnosis and treatment of STIs, improving patient outcomes and reducing the spread of these infections.
Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Practitioners provide primary and specialty healthcare services to patients across the lifespan. The course on POCT for STIs equips learners with the knowledge and skills to perform point-of-care testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in clinical settings. Understanding the principles and methods of POCT empowers Nurse Practitioners to provide timely and accurate diagnosis and treatment of STIs, improving patient outcomes and reducing the spread of these infections.
Medical Technologist
Medical Technologists perform laboratory tests and analyze results to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. The course on POCT for STIs provides valuable insights into the principles and methods of point-of-care testing, which is becoming increasingly important in medical laboratories. Understanding the specific requirements and challenges of STI testing in a point-of-care setting is essential for Medical Technologists to ensure accurate and timely results.
Health Educator
Health Educators develop and implement educational programs to promote health and prevent disease. The course on POCT for STIs provides valuable insights into the principles and methods of health education, with a focus on sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Understanding the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of STIs is essential for Health Educators to develop and deliver effective educational programs to prevent and control the spread of these infections.
Social Worker
Social Workers provide support and assistance to individuals and families who are facing challenges. The course on POCT for STIs may be useful for Social Workers who work with individuals who have or are at risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Understanding the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of STIs can help Social Workers to provide informed support and assistance to their clients and connect them with appropriate resources.
Pharmacist
Pharmacists dispense medications and provide information on their use. The course on POCT for STIs may be useful for Pharmacists who work in settings where they provide patient counseling and support. Understanding the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of STIs can help Pharmacists to provide accurate information and support to their patients and refer them for appropriate testing and treatment if necessary.
Physician
Physicians diagnose and treat diseases and injuries. The course on POCT for STIs may be useful for Physicians who specialize in infectious diseases, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or primary care. Understanding the principles and methods of POCT for STIs can help Physicians to provide timely and accurate diagnosis and treatment of STIs, improving patient outcomes and reducing the spread of these infections.
Laboratory Technician
Laboratory Technicians perform laboratory tests and analyze results under the supervision of a Medical Technologist. The course on POCT for STIs provides valuable insights into the principles and methods of point-of-care testing, which is becoming increasingly important in medical laboratories. Understanding the specific requirements and challenges of STI testing in a point-of-care setting is essential for Laboratory Technicians to assist in the accurate and timely reporting of results.
Microbiologist
Microbiologists study microorganisms and their interactions with other organisms. The course on POCT for STIs may be useful for Microbiologists who specialize in sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Understanding the principles and methods of POCT for STIs can help Microbiologists to develop new diagnostic tests and improve our understanding of the epidemiology and transmission of these infections.

Reading list

We've selected 13 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Point of Care Testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections.
An excellent reference for understanding the diagnostic approaches, including point-of-care testing, as well as the clinical management of STIs, especially for healthcare providers working in resource-limited settings.
Provides comprehensive coverage of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including their epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment. It valuable resource for clinicians who care for patients with STIs.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the diagnosis, management, and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. It valuable resource for clinicians and public health professionals who work with patients with STDs.
Provides guidance on the implementation, quality assurance, and interpretation of point-of-care testing for HIV and STIs in resource-limited settings.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the use of condoms and STI prevention strategies worldwide, including the role of point-of-care testing in STI control.
Provides a research agenda for the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections. It valuable resource for researchers and policymakers who are working to address the problem of STIs.
Provides a practical guide to the diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections for patients. It valuable resource for patients who are concerned about STIs.
Provides a handbook for health care providers on the diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections. It valuable resource for clinicians who care for patients with STIs.
Provides a guide for nurses on the diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections. It valuable resource for nurses who care for patients with STIs.
Provides a guide for social workers on the diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections. It valuable resource for social workers who work with patients with STIs.
Provides a guide for educators on the diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections. It valuable resource for educators who teach about STIs.
Provides a guide for policymakers on the diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections. It valuable resource for policymakers who are working to address the problem of STIs.
Provides a guide for the public on the diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections. It valuable resource for the public who are concerned about STIs.

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