The BC Centre for Disease Control invites you to test out new website features for GetCheckedOnline. 

GetCheckedOnline is a way to test for sexually transmitted infections by creating an online account, answering questions about your sexual health history, generating an online lab form, and then taking it to a participating lab location for your samples to be collected with results available in your online account. 

Soon we will be giving people the option to collect a va​​ginal swab instead of a urine sample for gonorrhea and chlamydia testing. Your feedback will directly inform changes and improvements to this program. Prior experience using GetCheckedOnline is not necessary to participate. 

We hope to understand: 

• how people consider and select the recommended tests that are offered. 
• how people make the choice between a urine or vaginal swab sample type when offered. 
• concerns and preferences people have around self-collecting a swab sample at the lab. 
• messaging, resources and functionality changes from the perspective of service users, so that users can make an informed choice about the testing pathway they will use. 

Who can participate? 

 We are seeking input from people in BC who are willing to participate in usability testing, which is a simulation of the process of using the GetCheckedOnline website. You will not be asked to collect a vaginal swab sample for testing, we are only walking through the website steps. 

 People who have a vagina are invited to participate. Priority will be given for those who: 

• are trans and/or gender diverse 
• have never had a swab collection or feel worried before collecting samples for testing 
• have concerns or feel worried about self-collecting a vaginal swab 
• people who have used GetCheckedOnline and experienced issues during sample collection 

Participants will be paid $50 for their time and contribution. We will also share a report with participants to tell them what we learned and how we plan to use their feedback. 

What is involved? 

Usability testing will take place in late September and early October 2024 and will be no longer than (2) hours in length and conducted in English. 

You will have the option to participate virtually or in person. You do not need to use your real or legal name to participate and will only be asked for a minimal amount of personal information (email, age, city, gender identity) which will be protected. 

You will be given more details about how your information will be used and stored before you agree to participate, or you can request it from us anytime. 

How can I join? 

If you are interested in participating or have any questions, please contact the Online Sexual Health Services manager by email: ​getcheckedonline@bccdc.ca