Key Summary
- The finger-prick blood sample is analysed on a point-of-care testing device in the pharmacy
- The analyser uses advanced biochemistry to measure the full lipid panel in around seven minutes
- The results meet the same gold-standard accuracy as hospital laboratories, so GPs do not need to repeat the test
East London pharmacies, in partnership with Barts Health NHS Trust and UCLPartners, recently launched a pilot for a rapid finger-prick cholesterol testing service. The test provides results in minutes and estimates your risk of heart problems over the next 10 years.
We at Pharmacy Business got in touch with Dr Sotiris Antoniou, Divisional Director, Clinical Services at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, to know more about this novel test that is expected to revolutionise cholesterol testing in pharmacies.
What is the process being used to carry out the new quick cholesterol test that provides results in seven minutes? How does it provide such quick results?
The test uses a finger-prick blood sample, analysed on a point-of-care testing (POCT) device in the pharmacy consultation room. The analyser (affinion 2) uses advanced biochemistry to measure the full lipid panel — including total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, non-HDL and chol:HDLratio — in around seven minutes. Because the sample is processed onsite rather than sent to a laboratory, results are available immediately and can be shared with the patient and their GP in real time. In addition, we have organised for the QRISK (Heart risk) score to be calculated at the same time as the results to facilitate consultation with the pharmacist.
How is it superior to the measurement of lipid profile to assess cardiovascular disease risk?
The analyser selected for this programme has been externally validated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC’s) Cholesterol Reference Method Laboratory Network (CRMLN). This means results meet the same gold-standard accuracy as hospital laboratories, so GPs do not need to repeat the test to enable interventions. In addition, all sites participate in internal quality control and external quality assurance (EQA) schemes, in line with NHSE and MHRA requirements, ensuring that results are reliable and trusted as the programme progresses over time. The advantage over routine laboratory lipid testing is speed and accessibility: results are ready within the consultation, enabling an immediate QRISK score calculation and discussion about treatment or referral. Measuring the lipid profile can also identify people with possible familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), which significantly increases the risk of early heart disease.
How does the new test help detect hidden heart and stroke risks?
Many patients at risk of cardiovascular disease have no symptoms and may not present to their GP until much later. In addition, we have predominantly focused this programme in areas of health inequalities who would otherwise not routinely access primary care. By embedding quick cholesterol checks in community pharmacies — where patients already attend for advice and blood pressure checks — we can reach people who would otherwise go undiagnosed. By combining cholesterol results with blood pressure readings and QRISK assessment, pharmacists can identify those at hidden risk of heart attack or stroke, and ensure timely referral or prescribing interventions.
What is the timeline for the rollout of this test to other pharmacies?
The model has already been piloted successfully in North East and North Central London. There are ongoing discussions for further expansion. That is a case of watch this space.
What advice would you give to pharmacists looking to implement this programme?
Ensure readiness: A confidential consultation room and a willingness to participate.
Commit to training: Pharmacists and staff must complete a structured 3-stage training programme (equipment & clinical interpretation, interactive case studies, on-site observed patient assessments as part of a wider competency-based training programme).
Embed quality assurance: Participate with both internal quality control and external quality assurance schemes to maintain compliance with NHSE and MHRA standards.
What response have you received from pharmacists and patients who have used the finger-prick test?
Feedback has been very positive:
Pharmacists describe it as “transformative,” allowing them to move beyond blood pressure checks into a more comprehensive CVD prevention role. They value the ability to deliver a validated result on site.
Patients appreciate the convenience and speed — having results within seven minutes — and find it motivating to see their cholesterol profile and QRISK explained during the same consultation. Many report that this makes them more open to lifestyle changes or starting therapy earlier.
