From weeks to hours - the rapid new test transforming brain tumour diagnosis

Image caption, 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.