Greater use of diagnostic tools could save NHS £7bn

Innovate UK and the British In Vitro Diagnostics Association (BIVDA) have written a report that claims the NHS could take £7bn off its £22bn deficit by 2023 if it made more use of in vitro diagnostics (IVDs), some of which are already on the market but not being fully utilised. IVDs are accurate and less invasive tests that are performed outside of a patient’s body to diagnose and monitor conditions, resulting in quicker and more appropriate treatment.

The report looked at the savings that could be made if three existing IVD tests were used more, and concluded that using the high sensitivity cardiac troponin test to diagnose or rule out heart attack in patients with chest pains visiting A&E would save the NHS £6.8bn over five years. IVDs ruling out pre-eclampsia in pregnancy could reduce costs by £22.4m, and IVDs for irritable bowel syndrome could save £65m over the next five years.

Dr Kath Mackay, interim director for ageing society, health and nutrition, Innovate UK, said: “There are so many innovative diagnostic tests on the market and in development. It’s important for all stakeholders that we take every opportunity to rapidly adopt tests which show cost savings and benefit to patients.”