A new range of rapid and simple diagnostic tests, available from Thermo Scientific Limited, will help health care providers to provide certain diagnostic services closer to the patient’s home, as outlined in the new UK government White Paper, "Our health, our care, our say: a new direction for community services". By enabling tests to be performed and results obtained in a single day, such tests will reduce delays in treatment, and will relieve the growing burden on NHS laboratories.

The white paper was compiled in response to listening to public demands for more choice and greater flexibility in accessing services more locally. Amongst the strategies to meet these needs, the government intends to improve access to services, such as diagnostics, in the community and to provide more facilities in convenient settings. The white paper foresees diagnostic services increasing in general practice (by both GPs and nurses), in a new generation of community hospitals and even in the independent sector, such as local pharmacies.

For such services to be viable, the diagnostic tests available must be simple and quick to perform near to the patient, without complicated equipment and without the need for specialist expertise in the interpretation of results. Such speed and simplicity is found in the Xpect® range of diagnostic tests, available from Thermo Scientific.

Amongst the tests available in the Xpect® range is the Xpect® Flu A & B test. With results in just 15 minutes, this rapid lateral flow test is able to detect and distinguish between both types A and B influenza viruses. It is particularly useful in identifying infection quickly in those who are particularly vulnerable, such as the elderly and the immuno-compromised, or in people who have travelled recently in an avian flu (a type A virus) "hot spot". The sooner infection is detected in such cases, the sooner appropriate treatment and care can be initiated.

The Xpect® range also includes tests for:

Clostridium difficile Toxins A and B, which is useful in determining the cause of antibiotic associated diarrhoea, particularly in elderly care homes

Cryptosporidium and Giardia – common causes of parasitic gastrointestinal disease, particularly in young children, with symptoms similar to bacterial and viral agents.

Respiratory Syncytical Virus – a common cause of severe respiratory disease in children under 2.

Each of these infections is hard to distinguish from other conditions based on symptoms alone. Rapid identification helps to direct treatment and care options at the earliest opportunity. The tests simply involve the addition of sample to the test unit and, within a short time, the result (indicated by the absence or presence of a distinct line) can be read.

For further information about near patient tests, contact Thermo Scientific, details are at the top of this page.