Diabetes testing
March 10, 2016
SIGMA Pharmaceuticals has
announced the results of its ‘first-to-
market’ trial of in-pharmacy
HbA1c testing in selected Amcal
and Guardian stores across
Australia.
The testing pilot, supported by
Siemens Healthcare, Roche and
Health Screen Solutions, took place
between March and October 2015
but was not intended to replace
existing pathology pathways for
patients, said Sigma national
professional services manager,
James Nevile.
While patients were asked to
pay $25 for the pharmacy-based
service, many gave the feedback
that they were happy to pay given
the convenience.
“We were confident that the
HbA1c in-store test would be well
received by patients, pharmacists
and GPs alike,” Nevile said.
“We received a number of
positive responses from patients
along with constructive feedback
from GPs who saw value in the test
and responded well to referrals.”
Of the 204 patients tested by
pharmacists as part of the pilot,
Nevile said 45% were referred on to
their GP with 85% attending their
doctor within six weeks and 15%
requiring a medication change.
“The trial demonstrates that
pharmacists can play an active role
in both identifying at risk patients
and raising awareness around
better disease management,”
Nevile added.
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