July 23, 2025

Papers assessing off-the-shelf health tests sold in UK shops

Scientists from the University of Birmingham have reviewed a number of direct-to-consumer health tests that are available for members of the public to buy from supermarkets, pharmacies and shops in the UK, such as tests for vitamin deficiency, blood cholesterol and the menopause.

The scientists assessed the evidence available for the basis of levels of accuracy, sensitivity and specificity that the tests reported. They also looked at how useable the tests were in terms of equipment, instructions and interpretation of the results.

They published their findings in two papers in the BMJ.

Journalists came to this briefing to hear some of the authors of the papers discuss their findings, and to ask their questions.

Speakers included:

Prof Jon Deeks, Professor of Biostatistics and head of the Biostatistics, Evidence Synthesis and Test Evaluation Research Group, University of Birmingham

Dr Clare Davenport, Clinical Associate Professor, University of Birmingham (joining online)

Prof Alex Richter, Professor of Clinical Immunology and Director of the Clinical Immunology Services, University of Birmingham

Bethany Hillier, Medical Statistician, University of Birmingham

This Briefing was accompanied by an SMC Roundup of comments.