NHS Lothian first in Scotland to develop new Strep A tests
An NHS Lothian lab is set to produce Strep A tests for other health boards in Scotland after developing a new method
An NHS Lothian laboratory team are the first in Scotland to develop and use a new technique to test for Group A strep illnesses.
Respiratory infections have been on the rise in recent weeks and months, and just yesterday (January 18) it was announced a third child have died from Strep A.
This method involves using PCR testing - you might remember hearing a lot about that during the Covid-19 pandemic.
A PCR test - or polymerase chain reaction - is a method widely used to rapidly make millions to billions of copies of a specific DNA sample, allowing scientists to take a very small sample of DNA and amplify it to a large enough amount to study in detail.
Lab staff have begun to use PCRs to detect Strep A - and will now begin producing the tests for other health boards.
Patients who are suspected of having a Group A Strep illness are typically treated swiftly with antibiotics, but this treatment impacts the success of more traditional testing methods, meaning an accurate diagnosis is more difficult and can take longer.
Crucially PCR testing is not affected by antibiotics, this means patients are being diagnosed more accurately and much more quickly. A quicker diagnosis means treatments can be tailored, and the potential for onward spread of infection can be significantly reduced.
Dr Kate Templeton, Head of Molecular Diagnostics, NHS Lothian explained, “While the ongoing impacts of COVID are still being felt across healthcare, and society more generally, a more positive outcome of the pandemic has been the wealth of research and innovation within laboratory testing and diagnostics.
“Within NHS Lothian, we are taking the experience and knowledge gained throughout the pandemic and applying that to other health conditions. The development and use of the PCR test, which had more commonly been used in response to COVID, for Group A Strep illnesses is hugely important. Not only is it providing quicker diagnosis, but it is helping to reduce the spread of these infections and ultimately it is saving lives.”
The Lothian labs team is now processing PCR tests for suspected Group A Strep illnesses for all Health Boards across Scotland, a vitally important role, amid the ongoing surge in respiratory illness that is being seen across the country, and which is hugely impacting levels of hospital presentations and admissions.
Calum Campbell, Chief Executive, NHS Lothian said, “The NHS Lothian laboratory teams did incredible work throughout the pandemic, but they haven’t stopped there. This new development, which builds on their immense knowledge, and the investment we have made in this area, is now proving vital as Scotland’s healthcare system responds to increased and sustained levels of respiratory illnesses.
“The introduction of the PCR test will mean Scotland’s hospitals can diagnose Group A Strep illnesses more quickly, improving treatment options for patients and minimising the potential spread of infection. This innovation is proving invaluable now, but will continue to play a vital role in future years.
“I am immensely proud of the laboratory teams for their ongoing work in this area, and as they continue to support not just NHS Lothian, but Scotland’s other Health Boards throughout this particularly difficult winter.”