Pichler J, Zilbauer M, Torrente F, Heuschkel R, Phillips A, Salvestrini C. Feasibility of a finger prick-based self-testing kit in first- and second-degree relatives of children with coeliac disease. World J Gastroenterol 2011; 17(14): 1840-1843 [PMID: 21528057 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v17.i14.1840]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Dr. Camilla Salvestrini, MD, Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom. camilla.salvestrini@addenbrookes.nhs.uk
Article-Type of This Article
Brief Article
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World J Gastroenterol. Apr 14, 2011; 17(14): 1840-1843 Published online Apr 14, 2011. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v17.i14.1840
Feasibility of a finger prick-based self-testing kit in first- and second-degree relatives of children with coeliac disease
Judith Pichler, Matthias Zilbauer, Franco Torrente, Robert Heuschkel, Alan Phillips, Camilla Salvestrini
Judith Pichler, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
Matthias Zilbauer, Franco Torrente, Robert Heuschkel, Camilla Salvestrini, Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom
Alan Phillips, Centre for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Royal Free Hospital, London NW3 2QG, United Kingdom
Author contributions: Pichler J was largely responsible for obtaining the data; Salvestrini C designed the study; all other authors were equally involved in patient recruitment, manuscript preparation and data analysis.
Supported by Teddy Schwarzohr Verein zur Unterstützung von chronisch kranken Kindern
Correspondence to: Dr. Camilla Salvestrini, MD, Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom. camilla.salvestrini@addenbrookes.nhs.uk
Telephone: +44-1223-274827 Fax: +44-1223-586794
Received: July 3, 2010 Revised: September 13, 2010 Accepted: September 20, 2010 Published online: April 14, 2011
Abstract
AIM: To assess feasibility of a finger prick-based kit as method for self-testing of first and second-degree relatives of coeliac disease (CD) patients.
METHODS: A total number of 379 subjects were invited to participate in this study, consisting of 197 first-degree and 182 second-degree relatives of CD patients. The self-testing kit (Biocard™) was sent out with included instructions for use. Completed tests were sent back to the study coordinator for assessment.
RESULTS: One hundred and ninety-six invited relatives carried out the Biocard™ test at home. Amongst these, 70% were children. In 97% of the cases the test was performed correctly. Three tests revealed a positive result, all of which were later confirmed by serology and histology as coeliac disease.
CONCLUSION: Our study indicates that Biocard™ test is a reliable, easy to use and well-accepted tool for home testing of first- and second-degree relatives of CD patients.
