Using direct access testing kits to reduce the time to diagnose Crohn's and Colitis

What the researchers will look at?

1 in 4 people have symptoms for over a year before they are diagnosed with Crohn's or Colitis. This can happen for many reasons. Often, people do not go to their GP when they develop symptoms. This may be due to embarrassment or fear of further investigations.

Crohn's and Colitis are often misdiagnosed as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). A marker in the poo called calprotectin helps to tell the difference between IBS and Crohn’s or Colitis. The presence of blood in the poo can also help differentiate one condition from the other. A Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) can look for blood in poo.

This study will explore whether direct access testing could help decrease the time to diagnosis. Direct access testing means people can request a test, without having to see a healthcare professional. By offering direct access FIT and calprotectin tests, people don't have to go to their GP. This may help reduce embarrassment and make it easier to access testing.

This study has two parts. In the first part, researchers will focus on a group of people recently diagnosed with Crohn’s or Colitis. This group will answer questionnaires about their experience of getting a diagnosis. Some members of the group will also be interviewed. This will help the researchers understand barriers to diagnosis.

In the second part, people living in North and East Devon with symptoms of Crohn’s or Colitis, will be able to request free FIT and calprotectin testing kits. People who test positive will be offered further investigations. Researchers will investigate whether use of direct access testing kits results in faster diagnosis.

What the researchers think this could this mean for people with Crohn’s and Colitis?

Researchers hope that offering direct access testing will reduce the time to diagnosis. A faster diagnosis means earlier treatment and a reduced chance of hospital admission or surgery. It also improves quality of life and reduces costs to the NHS.

Who is leading this research: Dr Tariq Ahmad, University of Exeter
Our funding: £98,019
Duration: 36 months 
Official title of application: Redesigning a faster pathway to IBD diagnosis (RAPID): Can direct-to-public laboratory testing using stool biomarkers reduce the time to diagnosis of IBD?