Brain tumour diagnosis cut from weeks to hours with rapid new NHS test
The NHS has introduced a rapid genomic test that can identify specific types of brain tumours in two hours instead of several weeks. This advancement allows surgeons to make informed decisions during operations and helps patients start targeted treatments sooner.
Why it matters
Reducing diagnostic time for aggressive cancers significantly improves patient outcomes and reduces psychological distress during critical medical procedures.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Fergus Walsh Medical editor BBC The test means patients can be diagnosed within hours rather than weeks, like Steve Palmer whose case the BBC followed A rapid new test for brain tumours that the NHS has started using can slash the time it takes for an accurate diagnosis from up to eight weeks to two hours.
The test, which is used by doctors to diagnose which type of tumour a patient has, should mean patients can start treatment including radiotherapy and chemotherapy sooner, and are spared weeks of uncertainty.
Steve Palmer, 55, from Nottingham, is among those to benefit from the new technology - and it meant surgeons were able to get his result while they were still operating to remove his tumour.
"Getting that quick diagnosis removed weeks of anxiety," he told the BBC.
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