Feasibility of a novel self-collection method for blood samples and its acceptability for future home-based PrEP monitoring

Chase A Cannon, Meena S Ramchandani, Matthew R Golden, Chase A Cannon, Meena S Ramchandani, Matthew R Golden

Abstract

Background: Most non-clinic based HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) programs require fingersticks to self-collect blood specimens for laboratory monitoring, a technique that often results in inadequate blood volume for quantitative syphilis and HIV serological testing. We evaluated the acceptability and feasibility of using the Tasso OnDemand™ device as a self-sampling method for PrEP monitoring tests and compared results from samples obtained using the Tasso device to clinician-collected blood samples.

Methods: We enrolled study subjects online and in a sexual health clinic and HIV clinic in Seattle, WA, USA to assess the acceptability of blood self-sampling and preferences for home-based PrEP monitoring. We compared HIV antigen/antibody, quantitative rapid plasma reagin and creatinine results in paired self-collected and clinical specimens collected from a subset of participants.

Results: Of 141 participants, 124 (88%) were interested in collecting samples for PrEP monitoring at home. Among 48 who completed blood collections, 94% found the Tasso device easy to use and 95% felt they could perform self-sampling at home. Of 27 participants who used two devices, 100% collected sufficient blood to perform up to two tests while 33% collected sufficient serum for three tests. Agreement in test results between paired samples was high.

Conclusions: These pilot data suggest that using the Tasso self-collection device is acceptable and could feasibly be used to obtain serum specimens sufficient for guideline-recommended PrEP monitoring, though use of a larger volume device may be preferable.

Keywords: Blood self-collection; Home sampling; PrEP; Syphilis.

Conflict of interest statement

Tasso, Inc. donated blood collection devices for this study. All authors have no competing financial or non-financial interests to disclose.

© 2022. The Author(s).

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Comparison of qualitative RPR values from self-collected Tasso vs. clinical venipuncture specimens
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Comparison of creatinine values from self-collected Tasso vs. clinical venipuncture specimens

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Source: PubMed

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