There are many reasons why an individual may buy a self diagnosis health test kit. Perhaps they don’t want to bother their doctor, perhaps they like to stay clear of doctors and hospitals or maybe they just want to reassure themselves they are not suffering from a condition that has just been diagnosed in a relative etc etc.

There are many reasons also why drug companies produce and pharamacies sell these kits. No doubt they feel they are helpful to certain customers. Without doubt, bearing in mind the introspection of a significant proportion of the population, these kits will be profitable.

But can they cause harm?

The consumer organisation “Which” has produced a report based on six widely reported home testing kits.

These were kits to detect :

Bowel cancer
Prostate problems such as prostate cancer
Cholesterol
Diabetes
Urinary tract infection
Stomach ulcers

NHS Choices have a section called “Behind the Headlines.” Media reports are analysed by experts by going back to the origin publication.

WARNING ON SELF TEST HEALTH KITS

COUNTRY : UK

“WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Many people find it difficult to see the GP or may be unwilling to talk to a doctor about their health concerns. Self-test health kits are widely available and may seem appealing by offering people the chance to test for various conditions in the comfort and privacy of their own home. However, this report, which has looked at six widely available home testing kits, concluded that they can be difficult to use, do not always give clear or adequate information, and can lead to unnecessary anxiety or false reassurance.
Although the report was limited to only six kits and they were assessed by only two experts, the findings are worth noting. The current lack of legislation for these home testing kits may mean that these problems are common among testing kits in general.

If you are considering using a home testing kit of any kind, it is worth bearing in mind these potential drawbacks, as well as the expense. The Department of Health advises people to be cautious when using home-testing kits. A spokesperson told the BBC, “anyone who is concerned that they may be suffering from an infection or illness should contact their GP practice, pharmacist or other health professional for advice.”

It is always preferable to consult a medical practitioner if you have any health concerns. A GP will conduct an appropriate assessment and can discuss any of your concerns and advise which further examinations, investigations or further assessments – if any – are appropriate. NHS Direct can also provide advice on 0845 4647.

So why the frog at the top of the page?

Well, I like frogs but if you kiss a healthcare frog called by the loose meaningless name of “healthcare professional,” you may find it does not turn out to be a prince. A “health care professional” is Uncle Tom Cobley and all. Health care professionals all have different areas of expertise and many have no diagnositic skills whatsoever.

So, I disagree with the government’s advice quoted in this article.

“anyone who is concerned that they may be suffering from an infection or illness should contact their GP practice, pharmacist or other health professional for advice.”

On the other hand the advice I would follow and I would want my family to follow would be in the last paragraph:

“It is always preferable to consult a medical practitioner if you have any health concerns. A GP will conduct an appropriate assessment and can discuss any of your concerns and advise which further examinations, investigations or further assessments – if any – are appropriate.”

I have also grave misgivings about telephone advice regarding health. The safest telephone advice that can be given regarding concerns over the six conditions mentioned above is “consult your GP.”

Always.

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