UK pharmacy chain Boots is trialling a new urinary tract infection (UTI) app-based "test and treat" service across 37 of its branches.
Pharmacies in London, Sheffield and Cardiff are providing the service which allows customers to test for infection at home using a urine kit, following a consultation with a pharmacist or "pharmacy advisor", Boots said.
The 9.99 kit, only available at the Boots stores, is paired with an app, available for free from Apple's App Store or Google Play, and which analyses the customer's sample using the camera on their smartphone.
When the test indicates to a customer that they have an infection, the Boots pharmacist is able to prescribe a 14.99 prescription-only medicine at a second consultation.
Boots explained that the test was suited to women aged 16-64 who have symptoms of a lower UTI and the trial is running for three months, Dec-Feb.
Boots said its service would reduce pressure on GPs, while combating "the rise of antibiotic resistance".
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 15 Jan 19
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 15 Jan 19
