Hurdle is improving access to testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) by allowing private businesses, charitable organisations and the NHS to rapidly set up bespoke and white labelled home testing services. In a previous newsletter we covered the first part of our new catalogue, here we continue with important biomarkers and tests for sexual health.

Tailored sample collection.

Different sample kits are required for patients of different sex, populations and sexual orientation, due to their differing anatomy, sexual patterns and methods of intercourse, respectively. At Hurdle we develop our tests based on the gold standard set by the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH), enabling partners, including the NHS, to use our sexual health testing products with confidence. For, genital tract, rectal, and throat infections we provide adapted swab sample collection solutions to ensure all infections are caught and treated for all patients. Male chlamydia trachomatis and neisseria gonorrhoea (C/G) test kits include a urine collection tube, with the addition of multiple swabs for men who have sex with men (MWM), and female C/G kits include a vulvovaginal swab, as this is more sensitive than urinary tests for females.

Blood based sexual health tests

These tests are critical to detect HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and Syphilis using antibodies your body has raised against infection or antigens of the infectious organism itself. Syphilis is caused by the bacterium treponema pallidum, it is one of the oldest known sexually transmitted infections to humankind, and is detected by testing for specific antibodies. Rates of syphilis are rising in the UK with over 7,500 cases in 2022, partially due to increased use of PREP for HIV, which has reduced the use of condoms.

Hepatitis B and C are viruses that are spread through exchange of blood or bodily fluid. They infect the liver and can present with few symptoms initially, but can lead to severe liver damage if left untreated. Chronic hepatitis B is more common in the UK, affecting around 180,000 people, compared to about 118,000 people living with chronic hepatitis C infection. Early identification and treatment of these conditions can reduce the spread to non-infected individuals.