The usefulness of a free self-test for screening albuminuria in the general population: a cross-sectional survey
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In this study we evaluated the usefulness of a free self-test for screening albuminuria in the general population.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Dutch adults were invited by the Dutch Kidney Foundation to order a free...
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| Format: | Book |
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BMC,
2009-10-01T00:00:00Z.
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| Summary: | <p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In this study we evaluated the usefulness of a free self-test for screening albuminuria in the general population.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Dutch adults were invited by the Dutch Kidney Foundation to order a free albuminuria self-test, consisting of three semi quantitative dipstick tests, via the Internet. Results were classified in negative, low-positive and high-positive. In case of a positive test result, the tester was recommended to visit a GP for supplementary examination and/or treatment. Participants of the programme were sent a questionnaire for evaluation by e-mail eight weeks after receiving the self-test.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>During the first 30 days of the self-test programme, 996,927 self-tests were ordered. In total, 71,714 participants completed the questionnaire: 79% had a negative test result and 21% had a positive test result (20% low-positive and 1% high-positive). Of the positive testers, 25% visited a GP after testing for albuminuria. Among the 3,983 participants who visited a GP, 193 new diseases were detected: 25 chronic renal failure, 152 hypertension and 31 diabetes mellitus.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Using a free self-test for screening albuminuria in the general population resulted in a large response and a number of newly detected diseases. However, we found a very high percentage of positive testers of which probably a large part is false positive. Furthermore, only a small part of the positive testers visited a GP for additional examination and/or treatment. The efficiency of such a campaign could be increased by embedding the testing in health care to reduce the number of false-positive results and to ensure follow-up and treatment in case of a positive test result.</p> |
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| Item Description: | 10.1186/1471-2458-9-381 1471-2458 |