Give us your views on NHS Health Check's point of care testing machines

Closed 14 Sep 2022

Opened 1 Aug 2022

Contact

Aifric Muller

Public Health

07783 767 923

Aifric.muller@eastsussex.gov.uk

Overview

Currently in East Sussex the vast majority of GP providers of the NHS Health Checks programme use dual testing machines, testing both cholesterol and HbA1c. From this online survey we are looking to gain views from general practice on using cholesterol only testing during an NHS Health Check.

This would involve altering the risk assessment pathway. Currently, individuals are referred for a diabetes assessment if they have a HbA1c ≥40 mmol/mol. If cholesterol only machines were to be used during the NHS Health Check than all patients who meet the diabetes filter (an individual with a BMI ≥30 or 27.5≥ if Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, other Asian/Chinese, or if they have a BP ≥140/90 mmHg or SBP ≥140 mmHg or DBP ≥90mmHg) would be referred for a diabetes assessment. For patients to be diagnosed with diabetes, they are required to have a venous blood sample.

HbA1c point of care testing – guidance and evidence

Guidance, in both the NHS Health Checks programme standards and best practice guidelines states that individuals should only be given a HbA1c test during their NHS Health Check if they meet the diabetes filter. Individuals who do not meet the diabetes filter should only have their cholesterol measured during an NHS Health Check. We estimate that approximately 44% of all individuals eligible for an NHS Health Check will meet the diabetes filter and therefore be eligible for a HbA1c test.

A recent review has shown that there is poor quality evidence on the diagnostic accuracy of HbA1c point of care testing when used to screen for diabetes or non-diabetic hyperglycaemia. The review also found significant disparities between consecutive HbA1c measurements made 40-days apart, resulting in re-classification of patient diagnoses.

Why your views matter

We are looking to replace the existing point of care testing machines used for NHS Health Checks by March 2023. We will be using the information you give us in this survey to help us decide if we purchase new dual testing machines or move to cholesterol only machines for NHS Health Checks.

Privacy information: This survey is anonymous and we don't ask you to provide any personal information. Please ensure that any comments you make don't include any names or personal details of you or anyone else. You can find more information about how the data will be stored and processed by East Sussex County Council on our website.

Areas

  • All Areas

Audiences

  • Providers of services

Interests

  • Social care providers