Experts have issued a warning about the reliability of an online finger-prick hormone test used by menopausal women.
The test measures oestradiol levels and is available for purchase from online retailers. Prices range from £50 to £180 depending on the specific test.
These tests are commonly used by women undergoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) to track menopause or fertility levels. The results of these tests can influence decisions regarding the need for medication or further tests.
However, concerns have been raised about the accuracy of the results provided by Eurofins, a UK-based laboratory that continues to process finger-prick tests for oestradiol despite evidence suggesting potential inaccuracies.
Eurofins conducted an internal study in 2021, which found that finger-prick blood samples were more likely to record lower oestradiol levels compared to samples taken from a vein.
Finger-prick tests for a hormone called oestradiol are sold by online retailers for between £50 and £180 but experts have warned they could be unreliable
Despite being aware of the discrepancy, Eurofins continued to process the tests on behalf of online retailers, according to the British Medical Journal (BMJ).
Former employees of Eurofins, who have since left the company, revealed to The BMJ that the results of the internal studies showed the test to be unreliable and should have been discontinued.
One former employee expressed concern over the lack of care and consideration for patients demonstrated by Eurofins in continuing to process these tests despite identifying potential problems.
Another employee added that customers who use these tests include bodybuilders, individuals on hormone replacement therapy, and those undergoing IVF. While not urgent medical tests, accurate results are still crucial in these scenarios.
Jessica Watson, a GP in Bristol, highlighted the risk of misinterpretation or misleading results. This could impact a woman’s perception of her fertility levels and potentially influence decision-making.
David Wells, the chief executive of the Institute of Biomedical Science, is raising awareness about the lack of regulation surrounding online tests and laboratories.
He stated, “The home testing and home sampling arena lacks the levels of scrutiny and clinical oversight that a main laboratory serving a hospital accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) and regulated by the Care Quality Commission would have.”
The investigation reveals that Eurofins did inform online retailers
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