subject: Test For Stds On Your Cell Phone? [print this page] British health officials are developing a no-shame STD diagnosis tool. The British government has put up more than $6 billion to develop a technology that would allow people to use their cell phones to test for STDs (sexually transmitted diseases).
Test for STDs on Your Cell Phone?
Are the British experiencing a high number of STD cases? According to an article in the Health and Science section of thenews.com, infections in the United Kingdom have been steadily rising over the last decade, reaching a record high in 2009, when 482,696 new cases of STDs were reported. Most of those cases involved people under the age of 25, who were presumably tech-savvy. What better way to reach these people than through their cell phones? We hope that the application of new technology will help to reduce transmission of infection in this age group, says Professor Noel Gill, who runs the STD and HIV unit at the governments Health Protection Agency.
Testing chips could be sold in vending machines as bars, clubs, and drug stores. No, you dont pee on your phone. But you do need to spit or pee on the small, disposable microchip and insert that chip into the phone. The phone would test the sample for a range of infections, from Chlamydia to Gonorrhea, using nanotechnology and microfluidics. If the test is positive, they would then receive information about treatment. Some people may find going into a doctors surgery to be tested an intimidating experience, so its crucial that we find new ways to engage with people, says Dr. Marion Henderson of the Medical Research Council.
Planned Parenthood says one out of two sexually active people have had a sexually transmitted disease. (If it isnt me, then it must be you.) Of course if you do test positive, you still need to see a doctor. Often the treatment is a simple antibiotic, but other times it is much more serious. The cell phone app isnt meant to take the place of seeing the doctor. It is meant to give you a heads up without the embarrassment of going to a clinic or doctor. The thought behind the technology is that if the test is available through your cell phone and in the privacy of your own home, more people will get tested.
Does it embarrass you to talk about STDs? According to an article by Katishia Cosley, KIAH-TV, Houston, students at the University of Houston have a mixed reaction to talking about the new cell phone app. Many students were grossed out by the whole topic, which goes to show why the app is needed in the first place. I give this new technology a big thumbs up! What about you?
