What is the aim of your project?
Every day, hundreds of thousands of patients in the UK have blood taken for lab tests. They often have little or no idea of what the tests involve, what the results will show and what action their doctor could then take. I led a project to develop a new website at http://www.labtestsonline.org.uk/ which was launched by Rosie Winterton, Minister of State at the Department of Health on 16 June. Lab Tests Online aims to explain medical tests in simple terms and assist patients to have a better understanding of their condition.
Why is this project so important?
This information isn’t available anywhere else in the UK. Lab Tests Online is based on a hugely popular US website that attracts lots of UK visitors. The American site really isn’t adapted for diagnostic testing in this country. Lab Tests Online is 100% relevant to the UK. The popularity seen in America leaves me in no doubt that it will be a well-used resource here too. We have spoken to many patient organisations who all believe there is a great need for it.
What information will Lab Tests Online provide?
The site contains details of over 300 tests - from those to assess people’s kidneys or liver function, or to help understand their diabetes better, through to tests for cancer. The website will also supply information about the illnesses related to those tests, such as cancer and Down’s syndrome screening. There are also links to other reputable information sources.
What did receiving the award mean to you?
I was thrilled to receive this award as it has allowed me to raise the visibility and profile of biochemistry. Lab testing is sometimes thought of simply as people in white coats beavering away behind the scenes. Not many people understand what diagnostics can actually contribute and what lab tests can achieve. I want to make clinical biochemistry more understandable and more accessible for patients.
14 June 2004