Diagnostics
NHS pilots rapid genomic test for brain tumour diagnosis
NHS England says the test could cut the wait for a brain tumour diagnosis from up to eight weeks to two hours.
The NHS has begun piloting a rapid genomic test that analyzes brain tumour tissue to help identify the tumour type. The Guardian reported that it can provide a diagnosis in two hours, compared with waits of up to eight weeks, and can be used while a patient is undergoing surgery.
The Guardian said the pilot is taking place in five specialist centres, with wider rollout planned. Medical Xpress reported that Newcastle’s two-year project will assess whether the test is suitable for wider NHS use. It quoted a project lead saying results with all the information needed for diagnosis could be available within days, while a provisional result during surgery remains an aspiration for the Newcastle team.
The reports describe different timelines for results: the Guardian reported a diagnosis in two hours, while Medical Xpress described the Newcastle team’s expected full results as available within days.
Reporting on this story
- The Guardian ‘Gamechanging’ brain tumour test reduces diagnosis from eight weeks to two hours (opens in a new tab)
- BBC News How a rapid new test is helping brain tumour patients (opens in a new tab)
- NHS England NHS pilots rapid genomic test to transform brain tumour diagnosis (opens in a new tab)
- Medical Xpress New brain tumor test could transform diagnosis and treatment (opens in a new tab)
