APPROACH Testing Options
The APPROACH Study was a research study that looked at ways to provide STBBI testing in community pharmacies. APPROACH study participants were offered a choice of screening tests for HIV, hepatitis C and/or syphilis.
HIV Rapid Test
Test: INSTI HIV1/HIV2 antibody test
Infections it can detect: HIV
Blood collection: A few drops from a finger stick
When are results available: 2 minutes (during testing visit)
Hepatitis C Rapid Test
Test: OraQuick HCV rapid antibody test
Infections it can detect: Hepatitis C
Blood collection: A few drops from a finger stick
When are results available: 20 minutes (during testing visit)
Dried Blood Spot Test
Blood dops collected on a sample card, then sent for testing.
Infections it can detect: HIV, hepatitis C, syphilis with one sample
Blood collection: A few drops from a finger stick
When are results available: 3-4 weeks (pharmacist contacts with results)
Here’s how it worked
Testing involved collecting a few drops of blood. This was done with a finger prick, like how someone with diabetes would check their blood sugar.
Blood was put into the rapid test device or onto special paper, depending on the test.
The pharmacist told participants the results of the rapid test(s) for HIV and/or hepatitis C at the same visit. They called participants to come back for results from the dry blood spot test (3-4 weeks later).
Participants with reactive (or positive) screening test result were connected with lab testing to confirm the result and a doctor who would provide any needed care or treatment.
APPROACH testing
The pharmacy appointment was about 30-45 minutes and involved the following:
People interested in participating self-identified to pharmacist staff in the pharmacy or at special outreach events. Some pharmacies offered testing on demand. Most asked people to book an appointment for when the testing pharmacist was available.
Participants were brought to a private room for testing.
The pharmacist explained the study and testing process and answered any questions. Those who wished to continue were asked to sign a consent form to participate in the research.
Participants were asked to complete two questionnaires, one before testing and one after. These questionnaires did not ask for names or other information that could identify participants. The pharmacist did not see responses. Researchers used the information to learn about who wants to get tested at pharmacies, why, and what might make testing easier in the future.
Participants chose which test(s) they wanted. The pharmacist ten performed the test(s) and explained results.
Results from rapid tests were shared during the same visit. The pharmacist called participants back to share dried blood spot test results that were available about 3-4 weeks later.
If the test(s) indicated that participants might have HIV, hepatitis C, and/or syphilis, the pharmacist discussed this result and connected participants to a health care team for further testing and care.
After testing, the pharmacist offered to discuss ways to reduce risk of future infection, other testing options, and shared other supports. This could have included information on how to access prevention options like PrEP for HIV.