NICE has assessed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests for monitoring of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha inhibitors in rheumatoid arthritis to help the NHS decide whether to use them. These tests are Promonitor, IDKmonitor, LISA-TRACKER, RIDASCREEN, MabTrack and tests used by Sanquin Diagnostic Services.
NICE has said that there is not enough evidence to recommend that these tests can be used routinely in the NHS. Further research is needed on their clinical effectiveness.
TNF-alpha inhibitors are used to treat severe rheumatoid arthritis that has not responded to other drugs. ELISA tests can measure levels of drugs and antibodies in the blood to help make decisions about treatment.
ISBN: 978-1-4731-3456-0
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