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BEST4 Screening Trial

Screening for oesophageal health problems

Screening for oesophageal health problems

Screening for oesophageal health problems

 Over time, heartburn, indigestion and acid reflux can lead to another health problems in the oesophagus. Currently patients are checked for these problems using endoscopy, but endoscopy availability is limited in the NHS. This trial will see if a simpler device, called the capsule sponge test, can be used to screen for oesophageal health problems instead. 

Improving long-term health

Screening for oesophageal health problems

Screening for oesophageal health problems

 Using the capsule sponge test to screen for health problems will allow us to find these earlier when they are easier to treat. The trial will collect health information held about people by central UK NHS bodies for up to 12 years. This will show us whether screening for health problems using the capsule sponge test improves long-term health. 


  You can find full details about the BEST4 Screening Trial in the Patient Information Sheet here.    

BEST4 Screening English PIS

Who will be invited?

 We are inviting 40,000 people across the UK to have the capsule sponge test. We are inviting people to take part by text message.  You may be invited if you are:  


  • A woman aged between 65 to 79 
  • A man aged between 55 to 79 
  • Someone who takes regular medication for heartburn, indigestion or acid reflux 
  • Part of the Heartburn Health programme and randomly selected


 The age range is different for men and women because men are at increased risk at a younger age.  

Where the trial is taking place

 The trial will be taking place in Mobile Units, like those used for breast cancer screening. The units will be found in easy to access car parks.  Every couple of weeks, they will move to different locations in the following areas: 

  • Yorkshire & Humber  
  • East Midlands  
  • East of England  
  • North Thames 
  • Thames Valley and South Midlands 

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