Errors by machines used to diagnose diabetes mean at least 55,000 people in England will need further blood tests, a BBC investigation has discovered. Some patients have been wrongly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and even prescribed medication they don't need – and there could be more people affected, say NHS England.
NHSE has confirmed 16 hospital trusts use the machines, made by Trinity Biotech, which have produced inaccurate test results. In a statement, Trinity Biotech says it is working closely with the UK health regulator and has contacted all hospitals which use the machines.
The BBC first reported in September 2024 that 11,000 patients faced re-testing after a machine at Luton and Dunstable Hospital issued incorrect diabetes results. NHS England now say type 2 diabetes diagnoses rose by 10,000 in 2024, 4% more than expected. The procedure, known as the haemoglobin A1C test, measures average blood sugar levels which are used to diagnose type 2 diabetes and monitor the condition. According to the medicines and healthcare regulator (MHRA), issues with the tests on these machines was first reported in April 2024.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4g7d3w7gdlo
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