Assessment of Laboratory Capacity for Sexually Transmitted Infection Diagnostics in Public Health Facilities in Delta State

Accurate laboratory diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is fundamental to effective case management and prevention of onward transmission, yet laboratory capacity in many Nigerian public facilities remains limited. This capacity assessment study evaluated the diagnostic capabilities for STIs across 18 public health facilities in Warri, Sapele, and Asaba in Delta State, in the South South geopolitical zone of Nigeria. A structured laboratory assessment tool adapted from WHO's Laboratory Quality Stepwise Implementation framework was administered. Data were collected on available diagnostic tests, equipment functionality, reagent supply chains, staff competency levels, and external quality assurance participation. Only 33.3 percent of facilities offered testing beyond syndromic management protocols. Syphilis serology (RPR/VDRL) was available in 72 percent of facilities, while gonorrhea culture and Chlamydia NAAT were unavailable in all assessed facilities. Functional microscopy was absent in 27.8 percent of facilities. Laboratory staff reported inadequate training in STI specimen processing in 61 percent of facilities. External quality assurance participation was documented in only 22 percent of laboratories. These critical gaps indicate that most STI cases in Delta State are managed without etiological laboratory confirmation, perpetuating inappropriate treatment and antimicrobial resistance. The study recommends investment in point-of-care STI diagnostics, continuous professional development for laboratory staff, and integration of STI testing into existing HIV laboratory platforms. Keywords: STI diagnostics, laboratory capacity, Delta State, gonorrhea, sexually transmitted infections.