Poll Shows High Interest in At-Home Medical Tests

I thought it might be interesting to reflect on a poll from a few years back (taken during the height of COVID) before highlighting what’s available on the market today for medical labs seeking to partner with lab vendors on at-home diagnostic testing solutions.

First, a bit about the poll conducted by the University of Michigan and published in Clinical Lab Products magazine (October 13, 2022). Here are high-level takeaways from its findings.

Summary of Key Points:

General Findings:

48% of adults aged 50–80 have purchased at-home medical tests.

• 32% for COVID-19 tests.
• 17% for DNA tests.
• Lower percentages for other types, such as cancer or infection tests.

82% of older adults are interested in using at-home tests in the future.

92% believe test results should be shared with healthcare providers, but only:

• 55% of users shared non-COVID infection test results.
• 90% shared cancer-related test results.

Demographics and Behavior:

Test usage varies by age, race/ethnicity, marital status, income, and education:

• Higher usage among those with more education, higher income, or who are married.
• Black older adults were less likely to purchase at-home tests than White or Hispanic adults.

At-home COVID-19 test purchases were higher among those aged 50–64 compared to 65–80.

Convenience and Trust:

74% find at-home tests more convenient than provider-administered ones.

59% trust at-home tests for reliable results.

Advertising influenced 44% of DNA test buyers and 11% of cancer test buyers.

Types of Tests Purchased:

• 6%: Cancer tests (e.g., colon or prostate cancer).
• 4%: Non-COVID infection tests (e.g., urinary tract infection or HIV).
• 10%: Other tests (e.g., allergies, food sensitivities, hormones).

Regulation and Consumer Awareness:

53% believe at-home tests are regulated, but regulations vary:

• FDA oversees diagnostic tests but not all "wellness" tests.
• Consumers are advised to verify FDA approval or vendor reliability.

Poll Details:

Conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago in July 2022.

Sample size: 2,163 adults aged 50–80, weighted to reflect the U.S. population.

Future Interest:

Of the 82% interested in future tests:

• 70% for COVID-19 tests.
• 56% for cancer-related tests.
• 43% for other infection tests.

Interest is higher among women and those with prior experience using at-home tests.

Examples of At-Home Diagnostic Testing for Infectious Diseases

At-home diagnostic tests offer a convenient way to monitor health and detect conditions across a variety of areas. These include infectious disease tests, genetic and DNA tests for ancestry, health risks, and inherited conditions; and cancer-related screening tools for colorectal, prostate, or breast cancer risks. Additional options include drug or alcohol tests, sleep apnea monitors, and comprehensive health panels. 

For this article let’s concentrate on at-home testing solutions for *infectious diseases, tests such as COVID-19 rapid antigen or PCR kits, HIV self-tests, urinary tract infection (UTI) tests, and kits for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HPV. 

*While these tests provide privacy and accessibility, consulting with healthcare providers is often essential for accurate interpretation and appropriate follow-up.

Discover LigoLab’s Direct-to-Consumer Lab Testing Solutions

At LigoLab, we are an enterprise pathology lab software company committed to enhancing the accessibility and efficiency of diagnostic testing, recognizing the vital role that at-home testing plays in patient convenience and healthcare delivery. 

This commitment inspired the creation of TestDirectly, a cloud-based, direct-to-consumer lab testing platform that bridges the gap between medical laboratories and patients by supporting seamless, turn-key workflows for point-of-care testing.

TestDirectly (visit TestDirectly.com for more details) enables labs to expand their services by offering patient-centric solutions such as at-home test kit ordering, specimen collection, and automated result delivery. Its customizable platform supports various collection scenarios, including drive-through, walk-up, concierge, and organizational testing.

On-Demand Webinar: Learn How to Expand Your Lab’s Services and Add Revenue with Direct-to-Consumer Lab Testing

Key Highlights of the TestDirectly Direct-to-Consumer Lab Testing Platform:

• Streamlined Digital Workflow: TestDirectly replaces manual paperwork with a fully digital system, reducing errors and delays while integrating with existing laboratory information systems and lab billing systems (lab revenue cycle management) to optimize scheduling, specimen tracking, the lab RCM cycle, and compliance.
• Convenient Patient Experience: Patients can order tests online, receive kits at home, and access results through secure notifications. The platform even offers videoconferencing for consultations after results are delivered.
• Diverse Testing Options: The platform supports a wide range of diagnostics, including STIs, genetic tests, and pooled testing, catering to at-home and large-scale programs for schools, employers, and government agencies.
• Operational Efficiency: TestDirectly allows labs to manage high test volumes efficiently while maintaining fast turnaround times and improving patient-provider workflows through automated updates.
• Specialized Features: Includes options for vaccination scheduling, travel compliance (via the SMART Health Card Framework), and flexible result access methods.

Since its launch in 2020, TestDirectly has processed millions of tests across various settings, helping medical labs enhance operational capacity, reduce bottlenecks, and provide superior patient experiences. This platform not only simplifies large-scale testing programs but also strengthens direct relationships between labs and patients, boosting brand visibility and revenue opportunities.

Learn More: Highlighting the Versatility of the TestDirectly Direct-to-Consumer Lab Testing Portal

Redefining Excellence in Laboratory Information System Innovation

Since its inception in 2006, LigoLab has redefined what clinical laboratories and pathology groups can achieve with its cutting-edge all-in-one laboratory information system (LIS) and lab revenue cycle management (lab RCM) platform that empowers its partner laboratories to streamline workflows, enhance efficiency, and transform into modern, profitable operations.

By prioritizing strong customer partnerships and a culture of continuous innovation, LigoLab delivers tools that simplify clinical workflows and adapt to the evolving needs of today’s dynamic healthcare landscape. Each feature is developed and tested with a focus on real-world impact, enabling laboratories to optimize operations, reduce costs, and deliver superior patient outcomes.

LigoLab’s rapid development model, which integrates three dedicated software environments with rigorous testing protocols, ensures the swift delivery of reliable, cutting-edge informatics solutions. This commitment to quality and speed positions LigoLab as a true partner in helping labs meet complex regulatory demands and embrace the future of diagnostic excellence.

Learn More: A Closer Look at LigoLab’s Commitment to Innovation

“Innovation is about more than adopting new technologies - it’s about reimagining the way laboratories operate,” said Suren Avunjian, CEO of LigoLab. “Our goal is to empower labs to thrive by addressing today’s challenges while preparing them to seize future opportunities.”

LigoLab’s dedication to impactful, practical LIS systems, laboratory billing solutions, and direct-to-consumer lab testing platforms continues to set it apart. By focusing on meaningful advancements and real-world results, the LIS company solidifies its reputation as a leader in lab informatics innovation - delivering not just pathology software but a vision for the future of laboratory operations.

Interested in expanding your lab’s capabilities and revenue streams? Contact a LigoLab product specialist today to explore how our innovative solutions can transform your operations.

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