The future of lab tests: direct consumer access?
Lab tests are said to underpin 70% of medical diagnoses. That says a lot about the central role that gives the lab in the healthcare system.
In the UK alone, for example, every year every doctor orders the equivalent of 14 tests for every person in the country, which is low by international standards.
But how many would we order if it were the consumer and not his or her physician making that choice? And would this benefit health outcomes over time or fuel over-testing and hyperchondria?
There seems to be a lot of growth, albeit from a low base. Sweden-based Werlabs claims 18% monthly growth and 1m tests. Its CEO (see interview) says there’s a huge market for B2C tests and this democratisation of medical data can underpin a truly preventive healthcare system. Others are entering the fray.
The drivers are the move to wellness and the emergence of educated middle-aged group who are happy to spend on preventive care. In southern Europe new high co-pays makes going private and jumping queues attractive.
B2C is high growth and very high margin. The head of a big German lab group said that over 100 private individuals a day pay for tests personally in a single city.
Demand looks certain to soar as we see the development of informed, slick web platforms which remove the pain, expense and inconvenience of having to see a medical practitioner. Who needs doctors anyway?
We would welcome your thoughts on this story. Email your views to Claude Risner or call 0207 183 3779.
