I have discovered that the BTA Stat test uses animal derivatives in its user-friendly monitor. I will be contacting them about this, but it looks like I won't be using it.

I had wondered a while ago how the monitor tested for a specific biological activity and although it may not use an animal derivative to test it does to produce a reference point.
 

The procedural Control (3) zone contains an immobilized goat anti-mouse IgG-specific antibody . . .
Bladderwatch BTAstat data.doc (1.1Mbytes)

8th May 16:25
Hav ejust emailed Nick Darker querying the above

Summary
Not the best week since blogin. Working harder pee and not so clear as last weeks good times. Ended with a blush. Didn't progress much on alternatives either.

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There are other tests that can be done on urine.

1. Cytology: Microscopic study of blood cells, which can help tell where they are from.
2. BTA (Bladder Tumour Antigen): This as its name implies detects antigens to bladder cancer.
3. NMP22(Nuclear Matrix Protein 22): Bladder cancer cells release this protein into urine.
   8th May, 16:35 -Called Mandy Miller at Slough Oops! Exeter, to see if the test is vegan. Awaiting email response.

Availability

Derriford.

• Dr McCormic has wriiten to the urologist fro his views on these alternatives. I don't expect a postive feedback.
• I have spoke to Helen Fox in Procurement and am waiting to find if Derriford have such opitons:
  Paul Stratham at Kyowa Hakko in Slough said Derriford don't have the NMP22 kits.

Summary
Generally a better week in terms of bluSHing and progress on sourcing the alternative tests

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How to obtain the testing kits . . . btastat.com

April 22nd, 13:40 Have just spoken to Margaret and Kate on 001 914-739-5400. Kate is sending me contact details in the UK that supply their test kits -:- 15:30 Got contact details.
First contact with Nick Darker of Mediwatch, Rugby. Nick Darker said he saw no problem selling me the kits, although technically they only sell to bona-fidé medical professional. They had a bit of concern about my interpretation of the results but I explain that I was aware of the literature and reports. Nick is sending me details and cost of BTA tester. I said I would do the test in the presence of my GP which seems to reassure him.-:- 16:00 Received details. Costs and availability to follow:

April 25th, 11:00
Called Nick Darker. He said he hadn't got to the warehouse to check the stock yet. He quoted me a price of £115 for a box of ten. They usually sell with a shelf life of 4 years. If he can find, and I accept, some that may have a shorter shelf life, he "can do me a deal".
Mediwatch don't sell the NMP22 kits as Nick said they are a competitors product.

Mediwatch Ltd,
Swift Valley Industrial Estate
Rugby, Warwickshire, UK
01788 547888

Update: Diary 2nd May

20th April 10:35
Up at 7.54am. Two cups of tea. Have been feeling OK for a day or three. No bollock ache. However have to do some heavy duty Japanese Knotweed work today? By 15:00 have done the knotweeed and pulled up what giant hogweed I found. Have a slight headache after. Bed earlyish. Ate only veggies and pasta late afternoon.

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