Shop-bought health tests not always fit for purpose, academic study claims

A row has broken out following claims made by researchers over some self-test kits.

- Jane Kirby reports

OFF-THE-SHELF health tests for issues such as high cholesterol, vitamin deficiency, fertility and prostate problems may not be fit for purpose, researchers have warned.

A team from the University of Birmingham examined tests that people can buy in UK supermarkets, pharmacies and shops and which they then use at home.

They found the tests risked giving people the wrong result, could delay diagnosis, and most of them recommended followup with a doctor anyway, regardless of the result.

The researchers called for much tighter regulation of the sector, adding the NHS may face additional demand after people self-test.

They said: "In the absence of guidance from healthcare professionals, individuals might use tests inappropriately or without a clear understanding of the implications of the results.

"False positive test results can lead to unnecessary anxiety, increased healthcare usage, and additional costs, whereas false negative test results may delay appropriate treatment or engagement with... screening programmes.

"Test errors can stem from inherent limitations in the accuracy of the test, as well as user-related issues such as sampling errors, incorrect processing, and difficulties in interpreting the results."

However, the team said that in the future, home tests could have great potential for patient care.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which regulates medical products, said it would look at the findings.

Professor Jon Deeks, from the University of Birmingham, said: "A plethora of new health self-tests have emerged in recent years and are available to buy from many high street supermarkets and pharmacies in the UK.

"While these kits have been approved for sale, they are not subject to the same stringent regulations as pharmaceutical products.