A number of self-diagnostic tests have been launched into pharmacies, following a partnership between 2San and Phoenix Healthcare, which will help speed up diagnostics and allow consumers to take control of their health.
The partnership will initially see five self-diagnostic tests made available across 380 Rowlands Pharmacy branches and 10 tests available in 5,200 Numark independent pharmacy members.
Launching into Rowlands are the 2San: Bowel Health Test (Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT); Vitamin D Deficiency Test; 2San Iron Deficiency Test (Ferritin); Stomach Ulcer Test (H.pylori) Test; and the Thyroid Test.
Additionally, as well as the above tests, Numark will also carry 2San’s: Male Fertility Test; FSH / Menopause Test; Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Test; Drugs of Abuse Test; and the Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) Test.
The partnership between 2San, a supplier of innovative healthcare products and solutions, and Phoenix Healthcare, specialist in medicine distribution, pharmaceutical care and pharmacy-based services, will further normalise the self-testing that became more popular during the covid-19 pandemic. This summer, around 10,000 people in the North East trialled the PocDoc Lipid Test – a simple home-use finger prick blood test combined with a lateral flow device which can detect high cholesterol.
Self test kits are growing in popularity as patients look to avoid visiting doctor surgeries as covid-19 still lingers and also for people who wish to avoid ‘wasting time’ for what they perceive to be a small issue. They also help with the early identification of some conditions as many people are more comfortable with a self-test before they visit their GP.
The self-test initiative goes beyond just making the tests available to consumers. Rowlands will also provide online guidance and suggestions on the next steps to take if a test result comes back position. In addition, pharmacists at Rowlands pharmacies will be on hand to help consumers who need further guidance.
Stephen Thomas, superintendent pharmacist at Phoenix Healthcare, said: “We are thrilled to have these home testing kits available to Numark members and Rowlands Pharmacies. Extending diagnostics services to community pharmacies via home testing is a crucial step in supporting the NHS. We aim to educate customers on innovative alternatives that allow them to detect potential conditions early and take control of their health.”
This post originally appeared on TechToday.