Open AccessRange of self-tests available to buy in the United Kingdom: an Internet survey
Author(s) -
Angela Ryan,
Sue Wilson,
Sheila Greenfield,
Sarah Clifford,
Richard J. McManus,
Helen Pattison
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
journal of public health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.916
H-Index - 82
eISSN - 1741-3850
pISSN - 1741-3842
DOI - 10.1093/pubmed/fdl051
Subject(s) - the internet , test (biology) , medicine , public health , environmental health , family medicine , computer science , pathology , world wide web , biology , paleontology
We aimed to describe the availability in the United Kingdom of self-tests that are used to diagnose or screen for conditions without involving a health professional. A systematic Internet search identified 104 unique self-tests related to 24 named conditions including cancers, chronic conditions and infections. These self-tests require various samples including blood obtained using a lancet. The samples are processed at home with results available in minutes or sent to a laboratory for processing with results returned to the individual by e-mail or post. Prices per self-test and condition range from < Pounds 1 to Pounds 76. Self-tests are readily available, and further work is needed to assess their impact.
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