Capsule sponge cell collection devices are a minimally invasive, non-endoscopic system that has been developed to allow the sampling of cells lining the oesophagus.
Capsule sponge tests have not been used in Wales before but given the current pressures on endoscopy services they have the potential to help bridge the gap between demand and service provision.
The device itself is a small, 3cm diameter sponge that is initially contained within a capsule the size of a multi-vitamin pill. It has a 50cm string attached and is swallowed with a drink of water. It is then left for the capsule to dissolve in the stomach exposing the sponge, before removing the device after approximately 7-8 minutes, collecting cells from the lining of the oesophagus as it is withdrawn.
There is no need for sedation or local anaesthetic (throat spray), and the procedure can be carried out in an out-patient setting. The whole process can reasonably be completed in 15-20 minutes and requires vastly less equipment, infrastructure and staffing resource than a diagnostic UGI endoscopy.
This work will introduce and evaluate the implementation of capsule sponge tests in Wrexham Maelor Hospital during 2023 / 2024. Over 12 months, the tests will be used for c.110 patients, with a focus on patients under surveillance owing to Barrett’s oesophagus (a pre-cancerous condition).
We are also supporting Powys Teaching Health Board to introduce Capsule Sponge Tests. Find out more about how that work is progressing here