Pharmacies offer lab tests for long-term conditions

pharmafile | December 7, 2005 | News story | |   

Up to 6,000 patients could benefit from a new pilot project which will see high street pharmacies providing lab tests for long-term conditions.

Pharmacies in four districts in Greater Manchester are to offer tests including HbA1c for diabetes, high density lipoprotein, cholesterol and triglyceride for diabetes and coronary heart disease prevention, and INR for patients taking anticoagulant treatment.

The 18-month pilot project is sponsored by the Department of Health. Patients are accepted for monitoring using criteria developed by GPs who will retain clinical responsibility and receive results and alterations to treatment electronically following pharmacy consultations.

Local hospital laboratories have helped to draw up guidelines on the selection of instruments for tests, staff training and ensuring the reliability of analyses.

Pharmacies with unsatisfactory performance may be required to withdraw from the pilot.

The success of this pilot will be judged by patient satisfaction, from the convenience of this new facility to the speed of clinical decision-making. Efficiencies in the use of GP and pharmacist's time will also be assessed.

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