The cobas liat system is a closed system that aims to reduce contamination risks and enhances the reliability of results at the point of care. Image credit: Ming stock. More than 1 million curable STIs are acquired daily in individuals aged 15 to 49 years through sexual contact, including vaginal, oral, and anal sex, according to the World Health Organization WHO. Additionally, common STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis are often asymptotic or present similar symptoms of burning or itching in the genial area, which could make diagnosis an even greater challenge.
In , WHO estimated a total of million new infections with 1 of the 4 STI—chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis. While the highlighted STIs are curable, if untreated the infections can have a direct impact on sexual and reproductive health, leading to pelvic inflammatory disease PID , urethritis, ectopic pregnancy, infertility, and an increased risk of human immunodeficiency virus HIV infection.
Despite the widespread use of accurate molecular STI diagnostic tests in high-income countries, mainly for asymptomatic infections, their limited availability, high cost, and slow turnaround times in low- and middle-income countries often delay timely diagnosis, treatment, and patient follow-up, impacting the effectiveness of STI care.
STI testing typically involves a group of tests that check for different infections through samples of bodily fluid. The most common forms of STI testing include a blood test, urine test, oral swab, genital or rectal swab, and a physical exam. Implementing point-of-care testing for STIs can provide swift and appropriate treatment compared to traditional laboratory testing that involves a multiple step process. The study authors noted that the cobas liat system is a closed system that aims to reduce contamination risks and enhances the reliability of results.
The cobas liat assays are CLIA waived which allows health care professionals to test in near-patient settings with minimal training, providing speedy and reliable results. All News. FDA Updates. Press Releases. All Videos. Digital Detail. Independent Corner. Medical World News. Peer Exchange. Perfect Consult. Practice Pearls. Sponsored Webcast. Student Voices. Conference Coverage. Conference Listing.
