Spotlight on genotyping in stroke/TIA
On 18th March, we were delighted to attend the Health Innovation Manchester event: Spotlight on Point of Care Testing within Greater Manchester.
Professionals from across the region came together to explore the expanding role of point‑of‑care testing (PoCT) in clinical pathways. Speakers drew on their real‑world experience to discuss implementation challenges, partnership working with industry, meaningful involvement of patients and the public, pathway redesign, robust quality assurance processes, and the need to address persistent health inequalities.
Our Manager presented our experience of a recent PoCT pilot designed to identify stroke and Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) patients who may be resistant to clopidogrel, a commonly prescribed antiplatelet medication. Dr Dwai Sen, Stroke Physician at Salford Royal Hospital and clinical lead for the pilot, outlined how the stroke team developed and implemented the test using the Genedrive system.
Dr Sen explained that the pilot found approximately one‑third of patients are unable to metabolise clopidogrel effectively, meaning the drug offers limited protection and alternative
treatments are required to reduce the risk of further cardiovascular events. He highlighted that loss‑of‑function genetic variants are more prevalent in people from ethnic minority backgrounds, underscoring the value of genotyping as part of personalised secondary prevention that reduces health inequalities.
Attendees had the chance to network, share experiences, and explore opportunities for future collaboration across the diagnostics landscape. The event created space for new connections and practical conversations about where PoCT can add most value.