Latest news with #healthchecks
Daily Mail
7 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
DIY health tests relied on by thousands could be delivering false results and putting lives at risk, major study reveals
Many DIY tests for the likes of high cholesterol, vitamin deficiency, fertility and prostate cancer are not fit for purpose, a study suggests. Researchers examined tests that patients can buy in supermarkets, pharmacies and shops which they then use at home. They found the checks risked giving users the wrong result and could delay diagnosis. Most of them recommended following-up with a doctor regardless of the result, prompting experts to question the point of using them in the first place. Scientists from the University of Birmingham are now calling for much tighter regulation of the sector, adding that the NHS may face additional demand after patients 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) said it would look at the findings. Self-testing is becoming increasingly popular and the UK market for self-tests is expected to reach £660million by 2030. Overall 30 self-tests costing £1.89 to £39.99 were included in the study, published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ). The tests covered 19 different conditions, including vitamin deficiency, blood sugar levels, cholesterol, thyroid function, prostate health, HIV, menopause and bowel cancer. Researchers said only eight of the 30 tests provided information about who should or should not use the test, while four specified the presence of symptoms. External packaging on fewer than half of the tests (14) included any statement about their accuracy. Meanwhile, 90 per cent of the tests recommended following up with a healthcare professional if results were positive or abnormal, while 47 per cent recommended this if the outcome was negative. Accuracy claims were made for 24 of the tests, including in pamphlets, and most (58 per cent) claimed a performance of at least 98 per cent accuracy, sensitivity or specificity. However, the researchers said evidence supporting accuracy claims was largely unavailable or did not provide sufficient information for people likely to purchase the tests. 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. 'Our recent research raises concerns about the suitability, accuracy and usability of many of the self-testing products available that require users to sample, test and interpret results themselves. 'In some cases, it is unclear how accuracy claims are supported, and there is no requirement of manufacturers to share the evidence behind these claims.' Professor Deeks said the UK is looking at a 'new world' when it comes to self-testing, but there is more work to do to show claims made were robust. He said much of the literature contained with tests was 'not easy to understand', while some of the results could lead to a 'wrong diagnosis'. In one example, he said the self-tests for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, a marker of prostate health, were fixed at a certain concentration level. However, he said this depended on how old the patient was, adding 'if you're age 70 you need to have your PSA done at a very different level to when you're 20'. Professor Deeks added: 'Current regulations for the use of self-testing kits in a commercial setting are not adequately protecting consumers.' Dr Clare Davenport, clinical associate professor at the University of Birmingham, said: 'The wide range of off-the-shelf tests now available to the public are not endorsed by the NHS and evidence for their benefit is lacking. 'This is in contrast to well-established self-tests, such as pregnancy tests. 'We are worried that consumers concerned about their health and tempted by the convenience of buying a test over the counter may be harmed if they use these tests in the wrong way.' A spokesman for Suresign, which provides three of the self-tests studied, said: 'We find this blanket condemnation of a small range of home tests available to be unreasonable and unprofessional, since they admit they are content with many of those examined. 'This is not a clinical approach to a highly scientific subject. 'We are content our tests give the public access to healthcare screening not easily available with the NHS at the present time.' Joseph Burt, head of diagnostics and general medical devices at the MHRA, said the regulator is 'overhauling the medical device regulations to further strengthen standards'. He added: 'In the meantime, we strongly encourage anyone using a self-test to check for a CE or UKCA mark, read the instructions carefully, and seek medical advice if they're unsure about their result.'
BBC News
09-07-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Lytham barber offers blood pressure tests to customers
A barber shop owner who offers free blood pressure checks to clients says he loves his role in helping to cut heart 13 in Lytham, Lancashire, has carried out more than 200 checks since they started offering the service in April last year as part of a pilot NHS project to reduce the risks of heart attacks or Petrocelli, who owns the salon, said some men were "scared to death" of anyone in authority and felt more comfortable having blood pressure checks done in the Matthew Spedding, from Elswick, said he thought it was a "fantastic" idea. 'Nice, safe space' "I have quite an intense job, I do a lot of travel - 60,000 miles a year on planes, trains and automobiles - and I'm not really exercising when I'm sat in my car driving down the M6," he said."I do actually think the barber's chair is a nice, safe space and a safe place to be."He said after having his blood pressure checked and being told it was "within threshold, I was rather surprised" and he felt he could now walk out of the shop "with a spring in my step"."I was a little bit worried, but now I'm a little bit relieved to know that it's ok," he NHS said the level of undiagnosed and untreated hypertension was particularly high on the Fylde coast and the scheme targeted men who it said were often more reluctant to go to the owner Mr Petrocelli said men talked to them "about all sorts of situations, from their health to their home life problems", and so "I said I'd love to be able to check on men and make sure that they're okay"."There's a lot of people out there that are struggling with hypertension and don't realise they are.""People don't want to go into the GP - they're scared to death of talking to anyone in authority. "They're coming in and actually asking for their blood pressure to be taken now," he pilot NHS project officially ended in October but Mr Petrocelli is continuing to encourage clients to have the the seven-month pilot initiated by NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) and funded by the Blue Skies charity, 182 people were tested - 158 men, and 24 women - with 31 advised to attend urgent care as their blood pressure warranted further assessment. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
BBC News
29-06-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Free diabetes health checks to be held at Jersey festival
A retail business in Jersey is offering free health checks for diabetes at an upcoming Coop said it had received an "overwhelming response" from its free checks at the CI Pride event and planned to do the same thing at Weekender Festival in said more than 40 people at Pride had been checked, with one in three tested needing a referral to their GP - "a stark reminder of how many islanders could be unknowingly at risk".Sara Kynicos, superintendent pharmacist and CI Coop's head of care, said if left unchecked, high blood sugar could lead to serious health complications. "The results show how critical it is to offer accessible health checks. Our mission is to help people understand their health risks early so they can take action and stay well," she appointment is needed and the company said it would be at the event on both Saturday and Coop added that it intended to expand its diabetes testing across its community pharmacies in both Jersey and Guernsey.
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Waste depot staff given free health checks as part of initiative in Colchester
STAFF at a waste and recycling depot in Colchester have received free health checks as part of a workplace wellbeing initiative. The checks were conducted at the Shrub End depot by the NHS on the Open Road SOS Bus using a SiSU machine. This initiative identified staff with possible undiagnosed hypertension and formed part of Colchester Council's week-long focus on the health and wellbeing of its staff. The SiSU machine measured not only blood pressure, but also heart rate, body composition, and body mass index. Enthusiastic depot employees hopped aboard the bus for their checks. Mike Watkins, one of the staff members, expressed his gratitude, saying: "It makes us feel valued. "I'm keen to find out about my blood pressure and learn what to do about it if it's not where it should be." Martyn Peck (Image: Suffolk and North East Essex ICB) Worker Darren Hammett added: "I haven't had my blood pressure checked in a while, so I've come along today to find out what it is." The initiative also received positive feedback from staff, including Kevin Cook, who recommended other large workplaces to adopt similar practices. He said: "It's important to look after your health." Similarly, Martyn Peck expressed his desire for reassurance about his health and praised the initiative for aiding the early detection of health problems. Dr. Hasan Chowhan, senior partner at Creffield Medical Group, outlined the significance of the initiative. He said: "High blood pressure is a silent killer. "Many people don't realise they have the condition until they have a heart attack or stroke. "The good news is that it's possible to get it under control. For some that may mean making a few lifestyle changes; others will need to take medications as well. "These simple steps could save your life. "They could also help save your quality of life as both strokes and heart attacks can leave people with long-term disabilities." The initiative was planned with the indispensable support of the NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board. Nerinda Evans, director of strategic programmes at the care board, said: "We helped to put on this event because we saw it as a great opportunity to talk to people directly about the dangers of undiagnosed high blood pressure. "Prevention is the key thing here. We are actively trying to support people before they have a heart attack or stroke. "We hope everyone at Colchester Recycling Centre will tell their friends and family about the importance of checking your blood pressure to help spread this important message.' The Open Road SOS Bus, commissioned by Essex County Council, plays a vital role in delivering workplace health checks, acting as a key aspect of its services. Stacey Banner, welfare and volunteer manager for the bus, said: "Early detection is crucial in preventing serious health conditions. "We are dedicated to ensuring that all individuals have access to fundamental healthcare services." This event also provided information about the new urgent care dental service, offering NHS treatment in one to seven days for problems like toothache, infections, and broken fillings. John Spence, councillor responsible for children's services, adult social care, public health and integration at Essex County Council, said: "Healthy workforces are happy and competitive workforces. "By taking the stations directly to local people, we are making health checks accessible and helping residents, especially those in manual jobs, take control of their health." The council's proactive approach extends beyond health checks, offering mental health support and other wellbeing aids for staff. Julie Young, deputy leader of Colchester Council and councillor responsible for housing, said: "We're proud to support initiatives that put our staff's wellbeing first. "The health checks at the household waste and recycling depot are a simple but powerful reminder that prevention saves lives. "This is exactly the kind of proactive approach we want to see more of across our workplaces – making it easier for people to take control of their health and stay well." People wanting workplace health checks, mental health support, or other staff wellbeing support can contact:
SBS Australia
10-06-2025
- Politics
- SBS Australia
SBS News in Easy English 10 June 2025
Welcome to SBS News in Easy English, I'm Camille Bianchi. The New South Wales deputy premier is asking women to get regular health checks, after she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Prue Car is taking time off work for treatment. She has one child and previously was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2022. Ms Car says her situation shows the importance of breast cancer screenings for early detection. "I've fought this before and I'm really confident that I can fight it again. The prognosis is good. The amazing medical team around me are really confident of the prospects after treatment." Some Australian fire crews are on their way to help fight fires in Alberta, Canada. There are currently 61 fires burning there, with 23 of them raging out of control. Local politician, Ian Bushie, said crews are arriving from all over Canada, the US, and other countries to help. "Manitoba has deployed more than 650 people to support the firefighter efforts with a little more than 175 firefighters from out of province. We've deployed more than 57 aircraft and more than 80 firefighting equipment to communities that need it." Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young is demanding the prime minister asks US President Donald Trump to explain why US police shot an Australian journalist with a rubber bullet. The incident occurred in Los Angeles where police have clashed with protestors over immigration raids. Channel Nine journalist, Lauren Tomasi, says she has a bruise on her leg, but is ok. Ms Hanson-Young says it is unacceptable. "Donald Trump is a threat to journalistic freedom, and to democratic values. And we cannot afford as Australians to sit by and see an attack on those values by US authorities shooting at one of our journalists." Emergency services are warning people visiting the snow, to follow safety advice after 14 people were rescued in recent days. 40-to-60 centimetres of snow has already fallen on ski resorts in Victoria and New South Wales. The Bureau of Meteorology says snow showers will bring more snow to the tablelands and ranges. Inspector Tracey Johnston, from Victoria Police says visitors should be careful. "We are warning snow goers to obey road closure signs to allow emergency services to continue their work at this time. They are also continuing to search the area to identify if there are any further people who require rescue at this time." To sport, the Matildas have poached Central Coast's championship-winning coach Emily Husband to join new coach Joe Montemurro's staff as an assistant. She has already worked with Mr Montemurro for last year's ALW All Stars game against Arsenal. The English woman was ALW coach of the year in her first season in 2023-24 when she built the Central Coast Mariners' team, then led them to the semi-finals. That's the latest SBS News in Easy English.
