STI Antigen Testing
Burst Diagnostics is developing a cost-effective, accessible, and non-invasive rapid,
urine STI test.
Since 2014, Chlamydia cases have surged by 19%, while Gonorrhea cases have seen an alarming increase of 63%.
Gonorrhea and Chlamydia, two common sexually transmitted infections, are entirely curable with appropriate treatment.
yet this year alone in the United States, an estimated 24,000 women will face infertility due to untreated infections.
Why is this happening?
High Cost of Testing
The high cost associated with testing for Gonorrhea and Chlamydia serves as a significant deterrent for many individuals to undergo regular, yearly screening. Expensive testing procedures and the potential additional costs for follow-up appointments or treatments can create financial barriers that prevent people from seeking testing, particularly for those without adequate insurance coverage or limited financial resources.
Accessibility
Limited accessibility to testing facilities and healthcare resources can hinder individuals from getting tested. In certain areas, there may be a lack of nearby clinics or healthcare providers offering testing services, making it challenging for people to access these crucial tests. This issue is particularly prevalent in rural or underserved communities where healthcare infrastructure may be insufficient.
Uncomfortable, Invasive Sample Collection
The discomfort and invasiveness associated with sample collection for Gonorrhea and Chlamydia testing can discourage individuals from undergoing testing. Traditional methods often involve uncomfortable procedures such as swabs, which can be off-putting and cause anxiety or embarrassment for some individuals.
That’s where Burst comes in.
A cost-effective, accessible, and non-invasive alternative, rapid urine STI test would have the potential to overcome the barriers of high cost, limited accessibility, and uncomfortable sample collection. This, in turn, would encourage more people to undergo testing, leading to early detection, timely treatment, and improved sexual health outcomes.