Nationwide Children’s Laboratory Services provides resources for health care professionals, including a Sexually Transmitted Infections Practice Tool. Visit Clinical Tools for a complete list.

Included in the current STI Practice Tool are recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding “opt-out” testing policies.

According to CDC recommendations, providers might consider opt-out chlamydia and gonorrhea screening (i.e., the patient is notified that testing will be performed unless the patient declines, regardless of reported sexual activity) for adolescent and young adult females during clinical encounters. Cost-effectiveness analyses indicate that opt-out chlamydia screening among adolescent and young adult females might substantially increase screening, be cost saving and identify infections among patients who do not disclose sexual behavior.

Nationwide Children’s has provided sample opt-out letters that providers may download and customize for patient/parent communication:

Patient Letter (Customizable)

Download:

Parent Letter (Customizable)

Download:

NICU Parent Booklet

The Heart Center

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Community Resources

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Sexually Transmitted Infection Testing Resources