Consumers are now taking charge of their own health and wellness by managing their
laboratory testing with the help of direct access testing. The
ability to order online std blood testing is precisely what direct access testing
has enabled consumers to do. Physicians are not, however, left out of the loop.
Direct Access Testing (DAT) companies have licensed Physicians on staff to review
results and advise you and if this is not feasible, they strongly advise you to
consult your personal physician to go over your results.
The tremendous upsurge in national media attention on online lab testing without
a prescription especially online std blood testing has prompted companies providing
direct-to-consumer laboratory services to form an organization of DATs to establish
standards of excellence and assure high quality screening services along with the
low cost. In a few recent published articles, we see a growing trend of online lab
testing without a prescription
Baby Boomers 2009
This year?s number one new year's resolution for baby boomers is to take more control
of their current healthcare situation. By definition the baby boomer is a person
who was born during the post World War II ?baby boom?. We are now in the digital
age and healthcare is integrating itself into this digital technology. Baby boomers
that are looking forward too continuing their quality of life will be using online
technology to better mange their personal health. Personal Health Record services
are one of the largest growing businesses in healthcare and along those lines; private
online lab testing will follow the same path of growth. No longer will you have
to spend time waiting in the doctor?s office to have your blood work drawn for you
general check up. Baby boomers are educating themselves to the common lab tests
ordered and are saving themselves time, deductible $$? for patient visits and a
better turn around time on their lab results. Today?s generation
X and Z will be doing the same as their baby boomer parents as they understand the
power of the internet and to this generation, time is money.
A recent article about Private Lab Testing in the Wall Street Journal?
Aches & Claims: Ordering Up Your Own Medical Tests By Robert
J. Davis
CURIOUS ABOUT your cholesterol but too busy to go to the doctor? A growing number
of people are using direct-to-consumer lab services, which let you order your own
blood and urine tests for everything from allergies to the AIDS virus. The process
is quick and easy, but interpreting the results can be tricky without a doctor's
help
An additional article about the ability to order online lab testing without a prescription
in Advance magazine published this article by Todd Smith, Assistant Editor.
Early detection is the best defense. Serious medical conditions such as heart disease,
cancer and diabetes can dwell in a patient?s system for long periods of time without
them ever being the wiser. But by taking charge of their own health through routine
clinical testing, individuals can prevent disease and increase their chances of
reversing potential problem areas.
The Growing Trend from the Laboratory Medicine:A National Status Report May 2008.
Consumer directed testing or what can be considered lab testing without a prescription
is a key area for market growth. In 2004, 10-15% of hospital and commercial clinical
laboratories offered some form of direct access testing. Laboratories should be
prepared to assume a greater advisory role and provide other support to promote
informed self care by consumers.The report also states that consumers have demonstrated
strong interest in the ability to order laboratory tests and obtain results independently
of a health care provider. Typically, DAT services are purchased out-of-pocket by
the consumer without physician consultation. A major concern regarding most DAT
is that, in the absence of clinician prescribing and test interpretation; consumers
are largely responsible for interpreting DAT laboratory results and may only follow
up with their clinician if they deem it necessary. Consumer access to DAT varies
based on the type of test and geographic location. Internet websites, telephone
services, freestanding stores, hospital and commercial laboratory facilities, and
pharmacies are currently the primary methods of access. While many DAT laboratories
offer only simple tests, other laboratories offer more complex tests. Examples of
tests commonly ordered via DAT services include those that measure complete blood
counts, cholesterol levels, throat and urine infection, diabetes, HIV antibody tests,
and blood type.
Some tests are being sold directly to consumers via Internet web sites and retail
stores without the involvement of a health care provider in ordering the test or
interpreting the results. The popularity of direct access testing is likely to increase
given the rapid pace of genetic research availability of services via the Internet,
and the growing interest of consumers in self-care.