The Feasibility of Implementing Syphilis Point-of-care Testing Into a Prenatal Clinic for People Facing Barriers to Care

Launched by MCMASTER UNIVERSITY · Feb 14, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring the use of a quick finger-prick blood test to diagnose syphilis in pregnant individuals who may face challenges in accessing healthcare. The test can provide results in just 5 minutes and also checks for HIV. The main goals of the study are to see how many pregnant people at risk are willing to take this rapid test, how well healthcare providers can perform it, and whether it helps speed up the diagnosis and treatment of syphilis for both pregnant individuals and their partners.

To participate in the trial, individuals should be pregnant and have at least one risk factor for syphilis, such as a history of substance use, unstable housing, multiple sexual partners, or late entry into prenatal care. Participants will be asked for their thoughts about the test and their experiences during the process, as well as provide some information about their health and pregnancy. This trial is not yet recruiting participants, but it aims to help improve testing and treatment for syphilis in pregnancy, ultimately enhancing the health of both mothers and their babies.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• • 1. Pregnant people
• Inclusion Criteria:
• * Pregnant clients with at least one risk factor for syphilis infection:
• • 1. Substance use or accessed addiction services in the past 1 year
• • 2. Unstable housing in the past 1 year
• • 3. Multiple sexual partners in the past 1 year
• • 4. History of a sexually transmitted or blood-borne infection (STBBI)
• • 5. Late to prenatal care (initial prenatal visit \>20 weeks)
• • Eligible for syphilis screening at that clinic visit, as per Public Health guidelines
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Previous syphilis diagnosis
• • Not competent to consent to study participation
• • 2. Sexual partners
• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Sexual partners of pregnant clients who are newly diagnosed with syphilis
• • Physically present in the clinic
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Previous syphilis diagnosis
• • Not competent to consent to study participation