Women who suspect they have a urinary tract infection will be able to access fast-track testing and treatment — without seeing a GP — as part of an NHS England pilot scheme being trialled in 38 ‘Pharmacy First’ branches across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.
Instead of waiting for a GP appointment, women will be offered a Dip UTI test — a home-use kit developed by Healthy.io, the creators of a smartphone-powered urinalysis.
Dip UTI combines the standard dipstick urine test used by GPs with an app that turns a smartphone camera into a clinical grade medical device.
Through the NHS pilot, the kit and consultation will be free and, if needed, antibiotics will be provided (under a Patient Group Direction) for the usual NHS prescription charge of £9 or free for those who do not normally pay for prescriptions.
Women who don’t test positive for a UTI will have a follow-up consultation. This allows the pharmacist to explore further the possible causes of their symptoms and discuss treatment or a GP referral.
http://digitalhealthage.com/uti-patients-able-to-access-smartphone-dip-test-on-nhs-pilot/
https://diputi.com/