Reports of inaccuracies in self-testing kits, RCGP responds

Responding to a study published in the BMJ analysing supermarket self-testing kits, finding a significant proportion had a high level of inaccuracy, Professor Kamila Hawthorne, Chair of the Royal College of GPs, said:

“Self-testing kits have expanded in availability, but the efficacy, validity and accuracy of them are not always guaranteed, as this report suggests. We advise patients to only use self-testing kits if they have been quality assured and are in line with national guidelines, so it’s concerning that many of the ones easily available to patients in supermarkets may not meet these basic requirements. 

“While the use of self-testing kits can have benefits for patient care – they've been used by sexual health services successfully for years, and were vital during the pandemic as a tool to maintain infection control – it is important that patients are aware of their limitations and that manufacturers are providing clear information so that patients can make informed decisions. Independent information on the pros and cons of testing should be provided.

“With the risk of false positives and negatives, and no offer of an interpretation of the results or aftercare, self-testing kits can mean patients experience a significant amount of stress and anxiety – prompting them to seek guidance from their GP to interpret any results. This not only negatively impacts our patients, but it can also intensify the enormous pressures that GPs and their teams are currently under. Commercial self-testing kits should not default to NHS general practice as the provider for next steps and aftercare, unless the test was initiated in primary care or as part of a commissioned NHS service.

Read the College’s position on non-symptomatic self-tests

Further information

RCGP press office: 0203 188 7659
press@rcgp.org.uk

Notes to editors

The Royal College of General Practitioners is a network of more than 54,000 family doctors working to improve care for patients. We work to encourage and maintain the highest standards of general medical practice and act as the voice of GPs on education, training, research and clinical standards.