To ask the Minister of Health what action will he take to ensure the introduction of the Cytosponge TFF3 test in hospitals and other healthcare settings.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides national guidance and advice designed to support health service commissioners and staff who are considering using new medical devices and other medical or diagnostic technologies to improve healthcare. NICE has a global reputation for rigour, independence and objectivity, which is informed by the best available scientific evidence.

NICE have confirmed that they do not currently make any recommendations on the use of the Cytosponge-TFF3 test in any of their guidelines. However, they are in the process of developing briefing on the use of the Cytosponge-TFF3 test which when published will inform the potential use of this technology in the National Health Service and in Health and Social Care, Northern Ireland.