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P113 Acceptability and Preferences for Using a Novel Device to Self-Collect Blood Specimens for HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Laboratory Monitoring

Home-based PrEP monitoring (HBPM) has the potential to improve PrEP access and retention but is hampered by difficulties collecting blood, which typically involves painful fingersticks that yield insufficient specimen for quantitative syphilis serologies. We evaluated the use of the Tasso OnDemand™, a device that facilitates relatively painless self-collection of enough blood for HIV, creatinine, and quantitative rapid plasma reagin testing. From May 2020 – January 2021, we recruited subjects for two studies of the Tasso device and HBPM preferences. First, we sent invitations to English-speaking clients enrolled in an online messaging platform and receiving PrEP through the Sexual Health Clinic (SHC) in Seattle, WA, asking them to view a Tasso device video and complete a survey. In a second study, we recruited SHC PrEP clients and persons with known/suspected syphilis or living with HIV. After brief instruction in clinic, clients used the Tasso device and completed a survey about their experience. Of 509 clients offered participation online and 46 in clinic, 102 (20%) and 46 (100%), respectively, completed surveys. Most participants were cisgender men (132, 90%) of median age 34 years who identified as non-Hispanic White (78, 52.7%). Thirty-seven (45%) reported a history of syphilis. Given current COVID restrictions, 124 (89.2%) participants were interested in self-collecting PrEP laboratory samples at home. Many felt home sampling kits would increase their likelihood of staying on PrEP (61/135, 45.2%). Of the 46 participants who self-collected blood specimens in clinic, 42 (93.3%) felt the process was easy and 35/36 (97.2%) PrEP-eligible participants felt they could similarly self-collect blood at home. Self-collection of blood specimens using the Tasso device is feasible and acceptable to persons using PrEP. Future studies will assess how often individuals will use this device rather than come to the SHC for PrEP care and the impact of HBPM on PrEP retention.