> From: Jenny Gristock <[log in to unmask]>
> Dr. Pearson, what sorts of commercially offered screening tests
are available in the UK at the moment? What are available elsewhere
and hence
> might be here soon?
>
> I do not know what tests are available. If i did, it would help me to
> attempt to answer whether I would buy one, and why people aren't going to
> their GPs in the first place.
I can't give you a short answer, because the range of tests available
as POCT is enormous (they aren't just biochemical ones). Relatively
few are available over the counter, but possibilities are increasing
all the time.
However, off the top of my head, the following would be good sources
of information:
1. Medical Devices Agency:
http://www.medical-devices.gov.uk/dts1-npt.htm
This is the page specifically on NPT/POCT
2. NHS National Coordinating Centre for Health Technology
Assessment.
http://www.soton.ac.uk/~hta/summ105.htm
This gives you the Executive Summary for the review they
commissioned on NPT in Primary Care - you can get the full review
from the HTA Centre. tel 01703 595 639
3. NHS Centre for Reviews & Dissemination
http://york.ac.uk/inst/crd/ehcb.htm
They have done a systematic review on PSA testing for prostatic
cancer screening. This isn't an over the counter test; GPs have to
request it form hospital labs, but the principles covered in the
review apply to many other tests. The response of both patients and
professionals to the review has been very interesting. They will
send you copies - one for GPs and one for patients. Sorry I haven't
got their tel no handy.
4. BIVDA - British in vitro Diagnostics Association, (they are the
UK trade association representing companies who manufacture and
market in vito diagnostics): tel 0171 957 4633. Contact Cecilia
Brown (Chief Executive) or Kit Madden.
Dr MJ Pearson
Department of Chemical Pathology & Immunology
Old Medical School
Leeds General Infirmary (Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust)
LEEDS LS1 3EX
Tel 0113 392 3945
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