A new study which looks at Lead-I ECG for detecting atrial fibrillation in patients with an irregular pulse using single time point testing has been published in Health Technology Assessment Volume: 24, Issue: 3 January 2020 https://doi.org/10.3310/hta24030
This study aimed to assess whether or not the use of lead-I ECGs in GP surgeries could benefit patients and offer good value for money to the NHS.
The objective was to assess the diagnostic test accuracy, clinical impact and cost-effectiveness of using single time point lead-I ECG devices for the detection of AF in people presenting to primary care with relevant signs or symptoms, and who have an irregular pulse compared with using manual pulse palpation (MPP) followed by a 12-lead ECG in primary or secondary care.
The study found that if GPs were to routinely use lead-I ECG devices, including the AliveCor KardiaMobile, people with suspected AF could receive treatment while waiting for the AF diagnosis to be confirmed by a 12-lead ECG.
The study found that using a manual pulse check followed by a lead-I ECG offers better value for money when compared with a manual pulse check followed by a 12-lead ECG. This is mostly because patients with AF can begin treatment earlier when a GP has access to a lead-I ECG device.
The report also stated that the AliveCor KardiaMobile lead –I ECG is the most cost-effective option in a full incremental analysis.