Pre-eclampsia and heart attack tests selected for NHS ITP programme

Roche Diagnostics tests for suspected pre-eclampsia and heart attack has been selected as part of the NHS’ ‘Innovation and Technology Payment’ (ITP) programme.

The programme helps to fund the implementation of technology within NHS trusts and fast-track the roll-out of technology across the country. Both of these tests were included in the Accelerated Access Collaborative’s list of seven Rapid Uptake Products for the NHS, designed to identify and support the innovations that will be most transformative for patients. The ITP programme is a natural next step in this process of embracing and supporting the uptake of innovation.

Both Roche Diagnostic tests have also been previously assessed and recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for use in clinical practice:

• The Roche Elecsys immunoassay sFlt-1/PlGF ratio test, used with standard clinical assessment and subsequent clinical follow-up, is recommended to help rule out pre-eclampsia in women presenting with suspected pre-eclampsia between 20 weeks and 34 weeks plus six days of gestation.
• The Elecsys Troponin T high‑sensitive assay is recommended for the early rule out of non‑ST‑segment‑elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) or heart attack, in people presenting to an emergency department with chest pain and suspected acute coronary syndrome.

Both are blood tests that can help clinicians quickly decide on the right course of action for patients and their families. 

Geoff Twist, managing director (UK and Ireland) at Roche Diagnostics, said: “We are delighted that NHS England has accepted two of our products for the Innovation and Technology Payment programme, which provides ring-fenced funding for NHS Trusts to implement ground-breaking new products within their hospitals. The chosen Roche tests not only help healthcare professionals make quick and effective decisions and lead to long-term cost savings, but they also improve the patient experience.

“They include an immunoassay that can reliably rule out pre-eclampsia in pregnant women and a highly sensitive test, which can be used as an aid to help diagnose heart attacks and work out the risk of patients presenting with heart attacks. Both are already on the AAC list of rapid uptake products.

“Diagnostic testing accounts for 70% of clinical decisions, yet only makes up 1% of total NHS spend. At Roche, we have long called for mandated funding for NICE-approved diagnostic tests and we are delighted at this important step forward. It is especially exciting that two of our tests are the first in-vitro diagnostic products to receive ITP funding, and we look forward to seeing how this scheme continues in the future.”