Cholesterol Testing System Accepted by UK Heart Charity for the NHS Health Check Programme

BHR Pharmaceuticals Ltd, a market leading provider of point of care diagnostics into the UK healthcare market, have announced that HEART UK, the cholesterol Charity, have accepted that CardioChek may be used as a point-of-care system for lipid testing in the community for screening proactively for heart disease.

CardioChek proves itself as an accurate, reliable and valued cholesterol testing system for use throughout the UK in the screening for heart disease, validating over 5000 systems in use in the UK primary care setting.

“2012 is a very significant year in BHR’s 22 year history. Despite the challenging global economic environment, we have achieved a consistent increase in sales demonstrating the continued strong demand for the CardioChek point-of-care test system. As the Department of Health step up the significance of the ‘Health-Check’ programme, in their drive to reduce the incidence of heart disease, the need for reliable lipid testing systems for use in primary care grows,” said Ramesh Patel, MD, and commented that “he was delighted that HEART UK had reviewed the latest validation data of the CardioChek, and noted that it was suitable for use as a community screening tool. This in turn would increase interest from primary care organisations, with a partnered approach to achieving the screening numbers in England.” Ramesh continued: “This news, together with our achievements this year represent BHR’s commitment to strengthen our leadership in point-of-care cholesterol testing and build on our already strong momentum in the healthcare and wellness industry.”

Jules Payne, HEART UK’s Chief Executive added: “HEART UK recognise the importance of the NHS health checks programme in identifying people at increased risk of heart disease. Point-of-care testing is a useful screening tool enabling patients and healthcare professionals instant feedback on cholesterol levels. Raised cholesterol is one of the greatest modifiable risk factors for heart disease which is still the biggest killer in the UK. People over the age of 40 should have their cholesterol tested. People who have a first degree relative with premature heart disease should consult their GP for a full blood test.”