Uses of IVDs

The majority of IVD tests are performed in highly automated and advanced hospital laboratories, but in recent years many more have been developed for point-of-care testing (POCT) or patient self-testing (e.g. pregnancy tests). As individual health awareness has risen significantly in Europe over the last decade in conjunction with the high levels of innovation within the industry, laboratory tests are increasingly developed in formats that allow for public use and give rapid results – even tests requiring blood sampling such as blood glucose tests for diabetes.

Apart from the enormous contribution to patients’ quality of life and improved cycle of treatment, IVDs also provide many economic benefits to national healthcare systems. Allowing earlier and more appropriate treatments shortens the length of hospital stays, rules out expensive treatments and reduces costs for the treatment of complications. Today approximately 64% of medical decisions are reached following a diagnostic test, but only approximately 1% of the resources allocated by governments to healthcare budgets are spent on IVDs. For the benefit of the patient, their families, carers and society as a whole, politicians, health stakeholders and society as a whole must realise that money spent on IVDs is a clear investment in health and contributes to the future sustainability of Europe’s healthcare needs.

Population screening and disease prevention

• Screenings are carried out when the prevalence of the disease is high and a sub-population can be selected for testing (e.g. cancer)
• Both the individual and the public healthcare system benefit when testing rules out a disease
• Prenatal and newborn testing is used to identify infants who need early treatment

Diagnosis

• Correct diagnosis is important to determine the right treatment and to avoid wasting resources on incorrect treatment
• Early diagnosis can allow treatment to begin before any physical symptoms even manifest
• Early diagnosis lengthens life expectancy, gives more chances of full recovery and fastens recovery avoiding pain and suffering

Monitoring of prescribed treatments

• The monitoring of prescribed treatment is essential in order to assure a successful treatment
• Mistreatment may be recognised by measuring biochemical parameters
• Monitoring enables doctors and patients to take the appropriate actions
• Treatment monitoring also saves money

Assessment of medical interventions

• Public health systems have limited resources. Medical interventions are thus increasingly subject to Health Technology Assessment (HTA). IVDs are an essential part of this assessment.