Sponge-on-a-string test replaces need for endoscopy

An innovative test trialled to help diagnose a condition which can lead to oesophageal cancer has reduced the need for invasive endoscopy in thousands of low-risk patients. The NHS pilot has tested over 8,500 patients with the capsule sponge test. Evaluation of a cohort of patients showed almost eight out of 10 patients, who completed a test were discharged without the need for further testing, freeing up endoscopy capacity for higher risk patients and those referred for urgent tests for oesophageal cancer.