Survey of diagnostic resources for STI in Spain.

Background: Scarce information is available on the resources to deal with the Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), both in the clinic and in the laboratory. The objective is to describe and know the reality of the clinics and laboratories that treat these infections in Spain.

Methods: Cross-sectional observational study with data collection through a survey aimed at the members of the GEITS Group.

Results: Responses were obtained from 24 centers (response rate 38.1%) belonging to 10 Autonomous Communities. Regarding STI consultations, 38% require that the patient present a health card to provide assistance, and 31.8% only provide it by referral from another doctor. The 52.4% perform diagnostic methods in the care center. Regarding laboratories, 18.2% do not offer immediate response diagnostic tests, although 100% have PCR against Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis, 47.8% against Mycoplasma genitalium and 65% detect lymphogranuloma venereum genotypes. All laboratories continue to perform culture and gonococcal sensitivity techniques, and 20% perform molecular methods for detection of MG antimicrobial resistance.

Conclusion: There is great variability in the provision of human and material resources both in the clinics and in the laboratories that attend STIs. In a significant number of centers there are limitations for patient access. Although laboratories have molecular biology technologies, not all of them offer immediate response tests. All laboratories detect N. gonorrhoeae infection by PCR and also by culture, which allows sensitivity testing in all centers.