Brief encounters
WHEN TO USE POINT OF CARE TESTS
There are huge potential benefits from using tests that can be carried out while the patient is in the consulting room. Immediate treatment, reduced possibility for onward transmission, no need for a return visit, and no more endless calls and letters to find those who fail to turn up for their results. Sadly for most infections these tests are not yet considered valid enough for widespread adoption, generally due to a low sensitivity. However, Vickerman and colleagues use a mathematical model to show that even when some cases are missed, control may improve with point of care tests in certain situations, namely when many women do not return for treatment and where there is a high probability of ongoing …
