Overview

• NHS England will offer the ten-minute capsule sponge test to heartburn sufferers in around 1,500 Boots pharmacies from early next year as part of a two-year pilot.
• Patients swallow a small capsule attached to a string which dissolves to release a sponge that collects oesophageal cells for laboratory analysis.
• Pharmacists will identify eligible individuals who regularly use over-the-counter heartburn remedies but have not sought GP advice.
• The pilot involves a partnership with Boots, Cyted Health and Heartburn Cancer UK under the government’s 10-Year Health Plan.
• Early detection of Barrett’s oesophagus aims to reduce invasive endoscopy referrals and improve survival by catching pre-cancerous changes sooner.