The APPROACH Study

Developing a pharmacist-administered screen testing program for HIV, Hepatitis C, and Syphilis.

Participation is now closed.

You can find standard testing through a health care provider, a sexual health clinic, a local public health unit, or a walk-in clinic.

Find Sexual Health Services Near You

APPROACH

Adaptation of Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) for Pharmacies to Reduce Risk and Optimize Access to Care in HIV, Hepatitis C, and Syphilis

In the APPROACH research study, select community pharmacies offered point-of-care testing (instant results) to screen for HIV and hepatitis C and dried blood spot testing for HIV, hepatitis C, and syphilis . The goal was to create a sustainable program that can improve access to and equity in health care delivery, improving health outcomes for Canadians with STBBI..

Email approachstudy@mun.ca for more information.

APPROACH Testing

Harry shows how the testing and research study worked (2023).

What tests were offered?

Study participants could choose the following testing options from the pharmacist.

  • HIV Rapid Test

    A few blood drops from a finger stick can detect HIV antibodies in 2 minutes. (INSTI HIV1/HIV2 antibody test)

  • Hepatitis C Rapid Test

    A few blood drops from a finger stick can detect Hepatitis C antibodies in 20 minutes. (OraQuick HCV rapid antibody test)

  • Dried Blood Spot Test

    A few blood drops from a finger stick can screen for HIV, hepatitis C, and syphilis in one test. The pharmacist shared results 3-4 weeks later.