GASTROENTEROLOGY
within separate systems, often accessible only through a proprietary portal) the UHS approach ensures that calprotectin home test results are automatically channelled into the same EHR systems used for laboratory calprotectin tests, making it equally accessible. In siloed models, clinicians may need to log into an entirely different platform to view results, manually cross-reference data or even transcribe outcomes into the main hospital record. This not only adds administrative burden, but also increases the risk of errors, delays in care and fragmented decision-making. In contrast, the UHS pathway ensures
With the majority of IBD patients at UHS already familiar with the MyMR online platform, conducting a pilot study of home calprotectin testing highlighted the possibility of a seamless and meaningful extension of the existing UHS IBD digital pathway.
laboratory-based calprotectin analysis. At UHS, this process involved sending kits to patients who would return their faecal samples via second-class post. Once received, samples were processed in the laboratory, with results being turned around in up to four weeks. Unsurprisingly, patient engagement with this system was suboptimal. Around half of all testing kits sent to patients were never returned, often due to the inconvenience of the process or the discomfort around handling and posting stool samples.
Real-time disease monitoring from home To make testing more patient-friendly and accessible, UHS set up a pilot study – funded by NHS England – to test the feasibility of the SmarTest Calprotectin Home Test (Preventis). This CE-marked, quantitative lateral flow calprotectin assay from BIOHIT HealthCare is specifically designed for home use. The test is supported by a smartphone app that guides patients through the procedure, from stool-sample collection to reading and interpreting results. The UHS digital team enabled
secure transmission of SmarTest faecal calprotectin results to the hospital’s digital portal, My Medical Record (MyMR). This patient-facing digital portal includes a specific IBD pathway and is used by approximately 80% of the hospital’s IBD population. Results are then automatically
and securely integrated into the UHS Electronic Health Record (EHR) within approximately 12 hours of testing. This pilot study5
has shown
significantly reduced faecal calprotectin test turnaround times compared to traditional laboratory testing methods. The test itself is simple to use, requiring minimal preparation and causing litle disruption to a patient’s daily routine, and can produce results in just 15 minutes. The speed and convenience of home faecal calprotectin testing make it a particularly valuable tool for transforming outpatient care. At UHS, it supports the patient-initiated follow-up (PIFU) pathway, reducing the need for frequent outpatient appointments. Crucially, it enables timely decision-making in acute setings by allowing clinicians to confirm inflammation within minutes.
Digital integration A distinguishing feature of the UHS model is its seamless digital integration. Unlike standalone testing apps that create data silos (where patient results are stored
complete transparency and traceability. Home test results, including both quantitative data and images of the lateral flow device, are stored alongside other clinical information in the hospital’s central systems. The integration with MyMR allows patients to review their results, and the digital transfer into the EHR enables healthcare providers to view and act on patient-generated results with the same confidence as traditional laboratory data, streamlining workflows and enabling timely, informed care decisions. The infrastructure supporting
this efficient integration was built by the hospital’s digital team in close collaboration with clinical leads. An integration application – developed by the UHS digital team – processes test results submited via the app, links them to NHS patient identifiers, and uploads the numerical data into MyMR and to the results section of the EHR. This process eliminates any reliance on patient self- reporting and ensures the accuracy of reported results.
Patient-led care One of the most significant impacts of this digitally integrated model has been the way it enhances patient engagement. The majority of IBD patients at UHS are already familiar with the MyMR platform; it is well established as a communication and information hub, allowing patients to view their test results, access clinic leters, manage appointments and send secure messages to their care team. With this infrastructure already in place, conducting a pilot study of home
Despite its clinical utility, access to rapid calprotectin testing is often limited by the
constraints of conventional laboratory processing February 2026
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AdobeStock / Eugenio Marongiu
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