Initially during COVID workload halved before increasing three fold due to expanded criteria and catch up testing. This put considerable strain on the laboratory. Reduced endoscopy capacity was manged by risk stratification of 2WW patients by FIT testing. The age criteria were widened increasing numbers by 6%. The % positive FIT tests was the same in primary and secondary care suggesting similar risk. Expanded FIT testing is likely to remain in place and is predicted to reduce endoscopy numbers.
