Targeted HIV Self-Testing Identifies Persons with Undiagnosed HIV and Active Engagement Links them to Care: The GetaKit Study.

Current international HIV testing guidelines recommend that HIV negative persons from HIV priority groups complete repeat screening every 3-6 months; local guidelines in our jurisdiction recommend that such retesting should occur every 3 months. Such an approach allows for timely HIV diagnosis and linkage to care - and aligns with the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets to have 95% of undiagnosed persons be aware of their HIV status. To meet these aims, new approaches to HIV testing have been developed, including our HIV self-testing initiative, GetaKit.

Real world outcomes of distributing Lucira Check-It® COVID self-tests in Ontario, Canada: the GetaKit COVID study.

Background: In Ontario, Canada we developed and implemented an online screening algorithm for the distribution of HIV self-tests, known as GetaKit. During the COVID pandemic, we adapted the GetaKit algorithm to screen for COVID based on population and infection data and distributed COVID rt-LAMP self-tests (using the Lucira Check-It®) to eligible participants.

Methods: GetaKit/COVID was a prospective observational study that occurred over a 7-month period from September 2021 to April 2022.

The experiences of people who use injection drugs with accessing hepatitis c testing and diagnosis in western countries: A scoping review.

Background: The purpose of this scoping review was to summarize the literature that reported on the experiences of people who use injection drugs' access to hepatitis C testing and diagnosis in Western countries.

Methods: The initial search was conducted in 2020 and an updated review was completed in 2022. Seven electronic databases were searched using a peer-reviewed search strategy and included: full-text, peer-reviewed studies with people who inject(ed) drugs, hepatitis C testing or diagnosis, conducted in Western countries.

Delivering COVID self-tests through GetaKit.ca: Creating testing access during a pandemic.

Objectives: To determine the real-world outcomes associated with using the GetaKit.ca website to distribute COVID self-tests to persons with risk factors, with a focus on facilitating testing for persons who are Black, Indigenous, or of Colour (BIPOC).

Methods: GetaKit was an open cohort observational study to distribute free self-tests, starting with HIV self-testings and then adding the Lucira Check-It® COVID self-test.

HIV self-testing in the real world is acceptable for many: post-test participant feedback from the GetaKit study in Ottawa, Canada.

Background: HIV self-testing is the latest strategy to improve access to testing, diagnosis and treatment. Such strategies are beneficial due to the improved individual- and population-level health outcomes that emerge from early HIV diagnosis.

Aims: While most research shows that HIV self-testing is acceptable and feasible, yielding higher numbers of first-time testers and positivity rates, compared to clinic-based testing, little evidence exists outside low- and middle-income countries about such testing.

HIV self-testing in Ottawa, Canada used by persons at risk for HIV: The GetaKit study.

Background: The Public Health Agency of Canada estimates that about 87% of persons living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Canada have been diagnosed, which is well below the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS target to have 95% of HIV-positive persons diagnosed. Research has shown that HIV self-testing may help increase such diagnoses, especially among the populations who are most affected by HIV. The objective of the study was to determine the uptake and diagnosis outcomes associated with free HIV self-testing.