Clinical evaluation of the performance of self-collected samples in detecting mpox

The implementation of infection prevention/control measures to avoid potential transmission of mpox within sexual health service (SHS) clinics (e.g. use of personal protective equipment, additional cleaning procedures) increases the duration of clinic appointments and places considerable demands on clinic capacity and resources. While self-sampling for infections is well established and highly acceptable, it is not known whether self-taken swabs are acceptable to patients or how they perform compared to swabs taken by healthcare professionals.

This study will determine the accuracy of tests to be used for self-sampling within national testing programmes, the effectiveness of the ways in which testing is delivered, and whether the tests or sample collection kits are safe and easy for people to use.