The project - called eSTI2 (electronic self-testing instruments for STIs) - is being led by Dr. Tariq Sadiq, senior lecturer and consultant physician in sexual health and HIV at St. George's, University of London.
"By making diagnosis easier to access in the community, with immediate results, we aim to reduce infection rates and improve sexual health," said Sadiq.
The plan is use nanotechnology -- advanced technology on a sub-microscopic scale -- to create devices for testing multiple STDs, such as Chlamydia and gonorrhea, similar to pregnancy tests.
These would be available in different settings, like pharmacies or even vending machines, for users to add their samples and then plug into a computer or cell phone.
Software on the phone or computer will analyze the sample, make a diagnosis and recommend a course of action.
Sadiq said that, potentially, eSTI2 systems could automatically make an appointment with the user's doctor or health clinic, or send a message to the nearest pharmacy, then use GPS to direct the user there, where their prescription will be waiting for them.
It could also give options for informing a partner. (Although, imagine finding out someone you just shagged gave you the Clap via text message. Some things require the decency of a phone call, right?)
Sadiq points out the eSTI2 system could potentially do away with the current method of patient testing, involving the embarrassment of seeing a doctor and the actual exam, along with the agonizing few days' wait for the results.
"Mobile phones have changed the way we live and communicate, and our team of experts firmly believe that they open up a unique avenue for new ways to diagnose and control STIs," said Sadiq.
Sadiq also feels this kind of system could speed up the process of communicating STD infection trends in the population to doctors, allowing quicker responses to outbreaks.
The proposal was put together as a direct response to the epidemic of STDs in the UK, which rose 36% from 2000 to 2009, and the reluctance for people to go to their doctor to find out if they are infected.
"The required technology is very close to becoming a reality," said Sadiq. "But there are other issues we need to address before we can use devices in the community -- confidentiality and data protection, for example, are supremely important."
No doubt. Imagine hackers sending your test results to everyone in your phone book.
Sadiq also says it will be vital to have ever-evolving tests that can be easily adapted to detect newly discovered STDs, and he and his team hope to find a way to apply the eSTI2 system to developing countries where access to health care is more limited.
"These systems have real potential to give individuals more control over their sexual health, reduce spread of infection, and radically change the way STIs are diagnosed and managed," said Sadiq.
