RESEARCH ARTICLE Open Access Internet testing for Chlamydia trachomatis in

Background: In recent years there has been interest in websites as a means of increasing access to free chlamydia tests through the National Chlamydia Screening Programme (NCSP) in England. We aimed to describe and evaluate online access to chlamydia testing within the NCSP. Methods: We analysed NCSP chlamydia testing data (2006–2010) for 15–24 year olds from the 71/95 programme areas in England where site codes were available to identify tests ordered through the internet. The characteristics of people using online testing services in 2010 were compared with those testing in general practice (GP) or community sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. We evaluated 58 websites offering free chlamydia tests through the NCSP, and 32 offering kits on a commercial basis for signposting to clinical service and health promotion advice offered. Results: Between 2006 and 2010, 5 % of all tests in the included programme areas were accessed through the internet. The number of internet tests increased from 18 (<1 % of all tests) in 2006 to 59,750 in 2010 (6 % of all NCSP tests). In 2010 the proportion of NCSP tests accessed online by programme area ranged from <1 % to 38%. The proportion of tests with a positive result on the internet was higher than tests from general practice and comparable to those from community SRH services (internet 7.6%; GP 5.6%; Community SRH 8.2%). A higher proportion of people accessing online testing were male, aged 20–24 and reported>1 sexual partner in the pas