Near Patient Testing – The Value Story

Document supplied by Doris-Ann Williams MBE, Chief Executive, British In Vitro Diagnostics Association (BIVDA)

‘In vitro diagnostics (IVDs) are an essential part of the NHS. They are used to both enable diagnosis and to rule out causes of ill health. They are also used to monitor, screen and assess people for any potential health problems they might have. Increasingly, they also allow people with chronic disease to manage their own conditions’.

ABOUT BIVDA

BIVDA (the IVD technologies industry body) is the go-to organisation supporting members and key stakeholders to provide cost-effective patient outcomes using IVD technologies and innovation to transform patient pathways. We currently represent over 150 member companies, ranging from British start-up companies to UK subsidiaries of multinational corporations. Our members’ activities within the NHS include the supply and maintenance of pathology equipment and reagents (both laboratory-based and near patient testing), training, clinical evaluation work, and engagement with both procurement and clinical personnel.

What does BIVDA Do?

• Leads the IVD industry by informing and influencing on regulatory and legislative matters, both at a national and European level
• Raises awareness of the clinical and cost utility of innovative diagnostics in the provision of effective healthcare
• Engages with the NHS and Department of Health to ensure effective public procurement of IVD products
• Provides the voice for the UK IVD industry

Tony Cambridge – Chief Editor of POCTInnovators.com :
This publication is a great introduction to the scope of Point of Care Testing (POCT) utility across a number of key healthcare challenges. The topic importantly references the empowerment of patients and clinicians through multiple case studies, and how rapid diagnostics can help in the detection and management of:

• Sexually transmitted diseases (STIs)
• Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
• Respiratory tract infections
• Infectious diseases
• Role of Emergency Multidisciplinary Units (EMUs)

The document makes poignant statements about the state of the diagnostics industry, all the more familiar following COVID-19.

‘Through this publication, we hope to encourage greater uptake of near patient testing by demonstrating the value of the IVD industry to patients, the NHS and the UK economy. While many of the accompanying examples and case studies are England focused, the wider issues concerning adoption of IVDs are applicable across the UK.

Pressure on the NHS’s time and resources will continue to increase over the coming years. In order to ensure it has a sustainable future and to further improve patient outcomes, it is vital that steps are taken to increase the adoption of IVDs.‘

These and many other topics will be covered in more depth in future articles here on POCTInnovators.com