Testing in the community:
Heartburn Health Check with EndoSign®
The Heartburn Health Check is a test for heartburn and Barrett's oesophagus patients. It can help to protect the health of your oesophagus (food pipe).
Capsule sponge testing is already being offered in hospitals across the UK, but the NHS wants to find ways to make testing more convenient. To bring the test to more people, patients in the East Midlands and North Central London are being offered tests in community settings like pharmacies and community diagnostic centres.
What is EndoSign®?
EndoSign® is a simple capsule sponge test, used in the Heartburn Health Check.
You will swallow a small capsule, about the size of a vitamin pill. Inside the capsule is a small sponge. The sponge collects some cells from your oesophagus. These cells are then sent to a lab to be looked at.
How does the test work?
For more information about capsule sponge testing and how it can help you investigate your symptoms without endoscopy, watch the Heartburn Health Check video below. Please be aware the test can now be done in pharmacies.
Which pharmacies are participating?
Testing in East Midlands will take place in the pharmacies. Testing in North Central London will take place in the Finchley Memorial Hospital Community Diagnostic Centre after a pharmacy referral. Just ask for a Heartburn Health Check.
East Midlands
Boots Nottingham Victoria Centre
Victoria Centre, 239 Upper Mall, Nottingham, NG1 3QP
Well Pharmacy
Crown Medical Centre, Crown Farm Way, Forest Town, Mansfield, NG190FW
Phone: 01623 623222
Oakwood Pharmacy
14 Church St, Mansfield Woodhouse, Mansfield, NG19 8AH
Phone: 01623 423670
Affinity Pharmacy
130-132 Forest Rd, Annesley Woodhouse, Kirkby in Ashfield, Nottingham, NG17 9HH
Phone: 01623 751410
North Central London
Boots Wood Green
137-139 High Rd, London, Greater London, N22 6BA
Chemitex Pharmacy
332 Hornsey Road, London, N7 7H3
Phone: 020 7272 4869
Hampden Pharmacy
14 Hampden Square, N14 5JR
Phone: 020 8368 3150
Oakleigh Pharmacy
253 Oaleigh Road North, N20 0TX
Phone: 020 8361 8681
Pickles Chemist
73 Ballards Lane, Finchley, N3 1XT
Phone: 020 8346 0923
ProCare
Unit 1, 156 Colindale Avenue, NW9 5HE
Phone: 020 8205 6951
Shore Pharmacy
79 Russell Lane, N20 0BA
Phone: 020 8368 3013
Wilkinson Chemist
190 High St, Hadley, Barnet, EN5 5SZ
Phone: 020 8449 6159
Fairview Pharmacy
Finchley Memorial Hospital CDC, Granville Road, London, Greater London, N12 0JE
Phone: 020 8346 0707
How to get tested...
All participating pharmacies now accept calls and walk-ins, meaning you can call or visit the store and speak to the pharmacist directly to find out of the test is right for you. If you would prefer to book an appointment, you can choose a time with a participating Boots pharmacist below.
Why should you consider having this test...
Hear how Eddie's recent capsule sponge test saved his life.
After 40+ years managing or ignoring his symptoms, he had no idea a dangerous condition was developing. Because it was caught early, Eddie was able to receive targeted treatment at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, where the cancerous cells were removed before the disease could progress.
Further information & Support
When should you seek further advice from your GP?
If you are experiencing difficulty swallowing, or are over the age of 45 and are experiencing unexpected weight loss with either reflux, stomach pain or indigestion,
please speak to your GP.
Visit the FAQs section for more information or explore the support available from charity Heartburn Cancer UK.