Testing a new point-of-care device for detecting STIs and bacterial vaginosis in women

A Multi-centre Diagnostic Study to Evaluate the Feasibility and Performance of the Genital InFlammation Test (GIFT)

Observational University of Cape Town · NCT05723484

This study is testing a new device that quickly checks for sexually transmitted infections and bacterial vaginosis in women to see if it works well compared to standard tests.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment675 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 35 Years
SexFemale
SponsorUniversity of Cape Town Academic / other
Locations3 sites (Antananarivo and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05723484 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the Genital InFlammation Test (GIFT), a novel lateral flow point-of-care device, for its effectiveness in identifying women with inflammatory sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and bacterial vaginosis (BV). Conducted across three sites in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Madagascar, the study will enroll 225 women attending family planning services. Participants will provide vaginal samples for testing, and results will be compared to established nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT) and Nugent score tests. Additionally, the study aims to develop a management algorithm for integrating the GIFT device into routine care.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are women aged 18-35 who are sexually active and accessing family planning services.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant or not sexually active may not receive any benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved early detection and management of STIs and BV, potentially reducing the risk of HIV infection and reproductive complications in women.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using point-of-care testing for STIs, but the GIFT device represents a novel approach that has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Diagnostic Inclusion Criteria:

* 18-35 years old
* Willing and able to provide informed consent to participate in the study
* Self-reported to be sexually active
* Not pregnant (determined by pregnancy test)
* Accessing family planning service

Integration Inclusion Criteria:

For all: Willing and able to provide informed consent to participate in the study

User experiences/perceptions activity:

* Local or regional policy makers, programmers and other opinion leaders and decision makers
* Healthcare professionals at health facilities
* Women who are eligible for the diagnostic study (including pregnant and menstruating women), but who are not part of the diagnostic study
* 18-35 years old
* Willing and able to provide informed consent to participate in the study
* Self-reported to be sexually active
* Accessing family planning service diagnostic study

Discrete choice experiments:

* Women who are eligible for the diagnostic study (including pregnant and menstruating women), who are either part of, or not part of, the diagnostic study
* 18-35 years old
* Self-reported to be sexually active
* Accessing family planning service diagnostic study

Decision tree classification algorithm:

* Data from diagnostic study participants

Economic evaluation:

* Healthcare professionals at health facilities involved in GIFT device implementation able to complete timesheets

Diagnostic Exclusion Criteria:

* \<18 years or \>35 years
* Refusal by a participant to participate in the study
* Treatment for any STI/BV in the past 30 days
* Pregnancy
* Enrolled in a study which does not allow co-enrolment in other studies

Integration Exclusion Criteria:

For all: Not willing or able to provide informed consent to participate in the study

User experiences/perceptions activity:

* Non-relevant policy makers
* Healthcare professionals at health facilities not included in diagnostic study

Women who are:

* Part of the diagnostic study
* \<18 years or \>35 years
* Treated for any STI/BV in the past 30 days
* Pregnant
* Enrolled in a study which does not allow co-enrolment in other studies

Discrete choice experiments:

Women who are:

* \<18 years or \>35 years
* Treated for any STI/BV in the past 30 days
* Pregnant
* Enrolled in a study which does not allow co-enrolment in other studies

Decision tree classification algorithm:

* Participants for whom there are no diagnostic study data

Economic evaluation:

* Healthcare professionals not at study sites, not involved in GIFT device implementation, and/or not able to complete timesheets

Where this trial is running

Antananarivo and 2 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions STI
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.