Diagnosis

Case-based learning: shingles

This article outlines how to recognise the signs and symptoms of shingles — a painful, blister-filled rash caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus — its causes and risk factors, and the role of pharmacists in managing treatment and preventing spread.…

Public Health England to review guidance against the use of rapid COVID-19 tests in community pharmacies

Public Health England is reviewing its guidance against the use of rapid point-of-care tests for COVID-19 in community pharmacy.…

Oral candidiasis: causes, types and treatment

Pharmacists and pharmacy teams should be able to recognise oral thrush, a common yeast infection, and provide appropriate treatment advice to resolve infections.…

Welsh pharmacy sore throat test and treat service ‘should not be routinely adopted’, review finds

The use of rapid antigen detection tests in community pharmacies for the diagnosis and management of people with group A streptococcal infections should not be routinely adopted, according to guidance from Health Technology Wales.…

Superdrug relaunches at-home COVID-19 antibody testing service

High-street multiple Superdrug has relaunched its at-home COVID-19 antibody testing service, after it had been ”voluntarily and temporarily” withdrawn in May 2020.…

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: diagnosis and management

Early diagnosis and medicines optimisation are fundamental to ensure timely and appropriate treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and improve a patient’s quality of life.…

Regulator ‘following up’ Boots’ provision of rapid point of care COVID-19 antigen test

The General Pharmaceutical Council is to “follow up” Boots’ announcement that it plans to roll out a rapid point of care antigen test for COVID-19.…

Stuck in the 1950s: why UTI diagnosis badly needs an update

Urinary tract infections are the second most common reason for prescribing an antibiotic and, with antimicrobial stewardship a priority for the government, the stakes for accurate diagnosis are being raised ever higher.…

Case-based learning: constipation in adults

It is important that pharmacists understand how to appropriately and safely manage patients with constipation in light of new Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency guidance announced in August 2020.…

Supported content

Phlebotomy services could be run from community pharmacies to cut hospital visits, report recommends

Phlebotomy services should be run from community pharmacies to allow patients to give blood samples without having to go to hospital, an independent review of NHS diagnostic services has recommended.…