At-home lab tests may be rising in popularity
Experts detailed that since the COVID-19 pandemic, consumer-focused testing, driven by the need for rapid at-home viral testing and telehealth appointments, has seen advances in accessibility that have increased consumer engagement.
The growth in consumer testing has been stimulated by developments in remote healthcare, antimicrobial resistance prevention and technological innovations that allow for more affordable, more accurate and quicker results, according to a news article from MedCity News. Some companies have already begun providing consumers and retailers with access to hundreds of laboratory tests that can be taken at home.
The experts noted that the appeal of these at-home tests may include their convenience, comfort, personalization and easy-to-understand application and results. Many consumers have also shown a growing interest in testing. For instance, a recent survey indicated that among 1,000 U.S. patients, more than 90% of them expected their clinicians to refer them to laboratory testing upon request and nearly 30% of them stated they would undergo laboratory testing without receiving an order from a clinician. Further, data showed that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration cleared more at-home tests and wearable devices in 2025.
Although consumer-based tests still face obstacles such as data security and data storage and analysis, the experts emphasized that the continued rise in these types of remote tests should involve healthcare professionals.
Read more: MedCity News
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