PULLMAN, Wash. — Students at Washington State University now have quicker access to results and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Washington State’s Cougar Health Services can now give students same-day results for infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea with a new rapid STI testing machine installed on campus.
These results used to take 2-3 days to get back because samples had to be sent to an external lab.
“The speed of getting back your test results is critical for STIs,” said Dr. Sunday Henry, director of CHS and director of medical services at Washington State University. “The longer it takes, the greater the chance that someone will spread the infection, and it delays their treatment if they test positive.”
According to the Washington State Department of Health, Whitman County, where WSU is, has historically had one of the highest STI rates in the state.
Last year, it dropped from #1 to #3 in state rankings.
“Historically, one of the barriers to a strong public health response to STIs has been getting people tested and getting the results quickly enough to influence their behavior,” said Corrin McMichael, deputy director of Whitman County Public Health. “When people receive treatment, they not only eradicate the disease, but they also learn how to prevent it from happening again.”
Students can schedule an appointment for rapid testing at Washington State University’s Cougar Health Services or by using the online portal.
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