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

Derriford Hospital
Friday 25th April
Route: Pharmacy > Ex 53405 > Patient Services > Finance > Procurement

Made contact with Helen Fox of Procurement in Derriford, Plymouth. Tel. 01752 431064. After a following email contact she had the mistaken impression that I wanted to buy the test from Derriford so all I got was a 'We don't sell them' reply. I relied and called again to affrirm that I was only querying whether Derriford uses the BTA Stat test. I am expecting an email Monday or thereafter.

29th April 11:50
Spoke to Helen Fox, she's too busy with in-house requests, mine is a low priority, so I will email her. Other options are to ask via the GP and Dr. Hammonds.

Royal Devon and Exeter
29th April 11:53
Main Switchboard Tel: 01392 411611 Web.comments@rdeft.nhs.uk
Patient Advice and Liaison Service: PALS@rdeft.nhs.uk Tel: 01392 402093

12:10 Via Main switchboard I was referred to a Mr Stott 01392 402539, but no-one available. Then called PALS who referred me to Karen Green. She was unavailable but I spoke to Jane Billing, whom deals more with prostate issues than bladder. She said she hadn't heard of the BTA Stat but had heard of the NMP22. We spoke a while on the issue that cystoscopy was the common procedure re: cytology etc. She will ask Karen to call me if she has any more information.

14:25 Spoke to Mr Crundwell's secretary, who was very helpful. She managed to find Mr Stott but apparently he hasn't heard of either the BTA Stat or the NMP22 options ???

Royal United Bath
29th April 14:50
01225 428331 Webmaster@ruh-bath.swest.nhs.uk
Urology 01225 835990 No one available.
Mr Gallegos 01225 824574 chris.gallegos@ruh-bath.swest.nhs.uk. Spoke to Josephine who gave me the email address. Will email.

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