Experts are raising concerns about the reliability of readily available health tests for conditions like high cholesterol, vitamin deficiencies, fertility issues, and prostate problems.
A study from the University of Birmingham assessed at-home health tests sold in stores and supermarkets.
The findings suggest these tests may produce inaccurate results, potentially delay proper diagnoses, and often recommend a doctor’s visit regardless of the outcome.
Researchers are advocating for stricter regulations within the self-testing industry. They state, “Without professional healthcare guidance, individuals might misuse these tests or misinterpret their results.”
“False positive results can cause unnecessary anxiety, increased healthcare utilization, and additional expenses. Conversely, false negative results could postpone appropriate treatment or participation in screening programs.”
“Test inaccuracies can arise from inherent limitations of the tests themselves and from user errors, such as improper sample collection, incorrect processing, and difficulty understanding the results.”
However, the research team acknowledges the future potential of home tests in improving patient care.
Professor Jon Deeks of the University of Birmingham notes, “Numerous new health self-tests have recently become available in high street supermarkets and pharmacies across the UK.”
“While these kits are approved for sale, they are not held to the same rigorous standards as pharmaceutical products.”
“Our recent research raises serious concerns regarding the suitability, accuracy, and ease of use of many available self-testing products that require users to collect samples, perform tests, and interpret results independently.”
“In some instances, evidence supporting accuracy claims is unclear, and manufacturers are not obligated to disclose the data behind these claims.”
Prof Deeks explains that much of the informational material provided with the tests is “difficult to understand,” and some results may lead to “incorrect diagnoses.”
He cites self-tests for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, which indicate prostate health, as an example. The tests use a fixed concentration level.
However, he explains, “The appropriate PSA level for someone aged 70 is very different from the appropriate level for someone aged 20.”
The study, published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), analyzed a total of 30 self-tests.
These tests covered 19 different conditions, including vitamin deficiencies, blood sugar levels, cholesterol, thyroid function, prostate health, HIV, menopause, and bowel cancer.
The researchers found that only eight of the 30 tests provided guidance on who should or should not use the test, while four specified the presence of symptoms.
Less than half of the test boxes (14) included any statement regarding the test’s accuracy.
