Sponge-on-a-string test replaces need for endoscopy in eight in 10 reflux patients

Eight out of 10 patients who underwent a capsule sponge test for Barrett’s oesophagus did not need any further investigations, including endoscopy, a trial of over 8500 people in England has found.The test involves patients swallowing a small capsule shaped device which contains a tiny sponge that collects cells for analysis as it is pulled back up through the oesophagus by a string. It does not require sedation and in a survey of 350 people who had the test, 94% said they experienced only mild pain or none at all.Amanda Pritchard, NHS chief executive, said, “Thousands of people have now benefitted from this incredibly efficient test on the NHS. While the sponge-on-a-string is small in size, it can make a big difference for patients—they can conveniently fit the test into their day and it can often replace the need for an endoscopy while also helping to reduce waiting lists by…
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