Advice
Expert comments
Expert comments
Comments on this technology were invited from clinical experts working in the field and relevant patient organisations. The comments received are individual opinions and do not represent NICE's view.
Three experts were familiar with or had used this technology before.
Level of innovation
All 3 experts agreed that Colli‑Pee is an innovative approach to collect first void urine samples. One expert said that this is a minor variation on an existing procedure, and it would be a more hygienic collection rather than simply first catch into a universal container. Another expert thought that Colli‑Pee is novel because it standardises the volume of urine collected and allows its immediate mixing with preservative. As a urine collection device, it is much easier for women to use than a standard sterile pot.
Potential patient impact
The main benefits identified by the experts are the potential of having a clean catch urine sample and improving cervical cancer screening. One expert explained that the device would be likely to be more acceptable to women. This could potentially improve access for cervical screening in some women, for instance those with a history of sexual violence for whom standard care is not acceptable or those from different ethnic groups who do not speak English. Two experts also considered that using Colli‑Pee is a non‑invasive way of collecting a urine sample for human papillomavirus (HPV) testing. The experts suggested that people who do not attend cervical cancer screening; and people who have difficulty catching the sample cleanly; or who have difficulties with vaginal speculums or examination because of menopause, previous abuse, altered anatomy or vaginismus; are most likely to benefit from the device.
Potential system impact
The device is currently only used in research and it is not in use in the NHS. The experts generally agreed that there may be potential for cost savings over routine cervical screening because of fewer GP or hospital visits needed and a reduction in resources needed such as staff.
General comments
One expert said that a liquid‑based cervical sample for detecting HPV has been introduced in cervical screening. There is a move towards self-collection of a vaginal or urine sample, and there could be a change to the cervical screening pathway in coming years when Colli‑Pee might be applied. But currently there is no convincing evidence to support that Colli‑Pee offers advantages over sterile pot urine collection. Evidence is needed to prove its clinical effectiveness comparing HPV detection using Colli‑Pee urine collection with that of routine cervical screening (vaginal samples) and the sterile pot for urine collection. If Colli‑Pee is shown to be superior to standard urine collection for infection detection such as STIs (sexually transmitted infections), it would have the potential to replace current standard care.