Background The STI epidemic continues to grow among young people. Encouraging screening and careful partner selection are approaches to controlling STI transmission.

Methods The SAFE App is a free, phone-based program that encourages users to undergo regular testing for STIs. The app allows for the real-time collection of data concerning the frequency of testing among various demographic populations. Users may securely upload test results from their regular healthcare provider or arrange to be tested through the app. Users who test through the app can use health insurance or pay a flat fee to test without generating an insurance claim. Test results can be securely displayed on the user’s phone so they have the ability to easily share them with potential sex partners. The app is available for both Apple and Android systems and is supported by a network of physicians who communicate results to users and arrange for treatment for any user with a positive result. State reporting requirements are also fulfilled through the app.

Results To date, a limited number of users have registered for the app including about 200 from 38 states who imported results into the app and about 150 from 22 states who obtained testing through the app. Among the latter, testing was completed at a commercial laboratory and the result electronically transferred to the SAFE medical record for rapid review by a physician and release to the user. Some users reported that they had never had an STI screen prior to testing through the app. After completion of scalability testing, the app will be promoted through social media.

Conclusion Widespread use of this app should encourage more testing of at-risk populations, generate demographic data concerning the frequency of STI testing, as well as ultimately reducing the spread of STIs by more judicious partner selection.

Disclosure No significant relationships.