Quest Diagnostics Introduces Specimen Self-Collection for Common Genital Tract Infection Testing at Nationwide Network of Patient Service Centers
Quest Diagnostics (NYSE: DGX) has introduced a first-of-its-kind service allowing patients to self-collect specimens for common genital tract infection (GTI) testing at its nationwide network of 2,000 patient service centers. This new offering enables more convenient and discreet access to testing for conditions such as vaginitis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and Mycoplasma genitalium.
The service utilizes the FDA-cleared Aptima® Multi-test swab for patient-collected vaginal specimens in clinical settings. It's available at no extra charge with a physician's order or through Quest's consumer-initiated test platform at questhealth.com. This initiative aims to increase access to important sexual health testing, supporting patient care and empowerment in healthcare.
The self-collection option is expected to appeal to many female patients as an alternative to provider-performed collection, while maintaining comparable accuracy. It covers testing for six common infections and causes of vaginitis, which affects one in three women in their lifetime.
Quest Diagnostics (NYSE: DGX) ha introdotto un servizio innovativo che consente ai pazienti di auto-raccogliere campioni per test di infezioni comuni del tratto genitale (GTI) nella sua rete nazionale di 2.000 centri di assistenza ai pazienti. Questa nuova offerta permette un accesso più comodo e discreto ai test per condizioni come vaginite, clamidia, gonorrea, trichomoniasi e Mycoplasma genitalium.
Il servizio utilizza il tamponcino Aptima® Multi-test approvato dalla FDA per campioni vaginali raccolti dai pazienti in ambito clinico. È disponibile senza costi aggiuntivi con un ordine medico o attraverso la piattaforma di test avviata dal consumatore di Quest su questhealth.com. Questa iniziativa mira a incrementare l'accesso ai test di salute sessuale importanti, supportando la cura dei pazienti e l'empowerment nella sanità.
L'opzione di auto-raccolta dovrebbe risultare attraente per molte pazienti donne come alternativa alla raccolta eseguita dal fornitore, mantenendo comunque un'accuratezza comparabile. Copre i test per sei infezioni comuni e cause di vaginite, che colpiscono una donna su tre nel corso della vita.
Quest Diagnostics (NYSE: DGX) ha presentado un servicio sin precedentes que permite a los pacientes recolectar muestras por sí mismos para pruebas de infecciones comunes del tracto genital (GTI) en su red nacional de 2,000 centros de servicio al paciente. Esta nueva oferta brinda un acceso más conveniente y discreto a pruebas para condiciones como vaginitis, clamidia, gonorrea, trichomoniasis y Mycoplasma genitalium.
El servicio utiliza el hisopo multi-prueba Aptima® aprobado por la FDA para muestras vaginales recolectadas por los pacientes en entornos clínicos. Está disponible sin costo adicional con una orden médica o a través de la plataforma de pruebas iniciada por el consumidor de Quest en questhealth.com. Esta iniciativa tiene como objetivo aumentar el acceso a pruebas importantes de salud sexual, apoyando la atención al paciente y el empoderamiento en el sistema de salud.
La opción de auto-recolección se espera que atraiga a muchas pacientes femeninas como una alternativa a la recolección realizada por el proveedor, manteniendo una precisión comparable. Cubre pruebas para seis infecciones comunes y causas de vaginitis, que afecta a una de cada tres mujeres en su vida.
퀘스트 진단(뉴욕증권거래소: DGX)이 환자가 자가 수집한 샘플로 일반 생식기 감염(GTI) 검사를 할 수 있는 최초의 서비스를 도입했습니다. 이 서비스는 전국 2,000개의 환자 서비스 센터에서 제공됩니다. 이 새로운 서비스는 더 편리하고 신중한 접근 방식을 제공하여 질염, 클라미ydia, 임질, 트리코모나스 및 마이코플라스마 제네탈리움과 같은 질병에 대한 검사를 지원합니다.
이 서비스는 FDA 승인을 받은 Aptima® 멀티 테스트 면봉을 사용하여 임상 환경에서 환자 수집 vaginal 샘플을 검사합니다. 의사의 처방이 있는 경우 또는 questhealth.com에서 퀘스트의 소비자 주도 테스트 플랫폼을 통해 추가 비용 없이 이용할 수 있습니다. 이 이니셔티브는 중요한 성 건강 검사의 접근성 증가를 목표로 하여 환자 돌봄과 건강 관리에서의 권한 부여를 지원합니다.
자가 수집 옵션은 제공자가 수집하는 방법에 대한 대안으로 많은 여성 환자에게 매력적일 것으로 기대되며, 비슷한 정확도를 유지합니다. 이는 3명 중 1명의 여성들이 평생 동안 겪는 질염의 일반적인 원인 및 감염을 검사할 수 있습니다.
Quest Diagnostics (NYSE: DGX) a lancé un service sans précédent permettant aux patients de prélever eux-mêmes des échantillons pour des tests d'infections génitales courantes (GTI) dans son réseau national de 2 000 centres de services pour patients. Cette nouvelle offre permet un accès plus pratique et discret aux tests pour des affections comme la vaginite, la chlamydia, la gonorrhée, la trichomonase et Mycoplasma genitalium.
Le service utilise le tampon multitest Aptima® approuvé par la FDA pour les échantillons vaginaux prélevés par les patients dans des contextes cliniques. Il est disponible sans frais supplémentaires avec une ordonnance médicale ou par le biais de la plateforme de test initiée par le consommateur de Quest sur questhealth.com. Cette initiative vise à augmenter l'accès à des tests importants de santé sexuelle, soutenant ainsi la prise en charge des patients et l'autonomisation dans le domaine de la santé.
L'option de prélèvement autonome devrait séduire de nombreuses patientes en tant qu'alternative à la collecte effectuée par un professionnel, tout en maintenant une précision comparable. Elle couvre des tests pour six infections courantes et des causes de vaginite, qui touchent une femme sur trois au cours de sa vie.
Quest Diagnostics (NYSE: DGX) hat einen erstmaligen Service eingeführt, der es Patienten ermöglicht, Proben für häufige genitalen Infektionen (GTI) in ihrem landesweiten Netzwerk von 2.000 Patientenservicezentren selbst zu entnehmen. Dieses neue Angebot ermöglicht bequemeren und diskreten Zugang zu Tests für Bedingungen wie Vaginitis, Chlamydien, Gonorrhö, Trichomoniasis und Mycoplasma genitalium.
Der Service nutzt den von der FDA zugelassenen Aptima® Multi-Test-Wattestäbchen für von Patienten gesammelte vaginale Proben in klinischen Umgebungen. Er ist ohne Aufpreis mit einer ärztlichen Verordnung oder über die von Quest gestartete Verbraucher-Testplattform unter questhealth.com verfügbar. Diese Initiative zielt darauf ab, den Zugang zu wichtigen Tests für sexuelle Gesundheit zu erhöhen und die Patientenversorgung und -ermächtigung im Gesundheitswesen zu unterstützen.
Die Option der Selbstentnahme wird voraussichtlich vielen Patientinnen als Alternativmöglichkeit zur von einem Anbieter durchgeführten Probenentnahme gefallen, während sie eine vergleichbare Genauigkeit beibehält. Es umfasst Tests für sechs häufige Infektionen und Ursachen von Vaginitis, die jede dritte Frau im Laufe ihres Lebens betrifft.
- Introduction of a first-of-its-kind service for self-collection of GTI test specimens
- Expansion of testing accessibility through 2,000 patient service centers
- No extra charge for the self-collection option
- Potential increase in patient comfort and willingness to seek testing
- Expansion of consumer-initiated testing options through questhealth.com
- None.
Insights
The introduction of specimen self-collection for genital tract infection (GTI) testing by Quest Diagnostics is a significant development in women's health diagnostics. This service addresses several key issues:
- Increased accessibility and convenience for patients
- Potential for earlier detection and treatment of GTIs
- Reduced burden on healthcare providers
- Alignment with growing consumer demand for healthcare convenience
The offering covers testing for common infections like bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections and sexually transmitted infections. By providing this service at no extra charge across 2,000 patient service centers, Quest is positioning itself as a leader in patient-centric diagnostic services.
From an investor perspective, this move could potentially increase Quest's test volumes and market share in women's health diagnostics. The integration with their consumer-initiated testing platform, questhealth.com, also supports Quest's strategy to expand in the direct-to-consumer testing market.
While the immediate financial impact may be , this initiative enhances Quest's competitive position and could drive long-term growth in the women's health segment. It also demonstrates the company's ability to innovate and adapt to changing healthcare consumer preferences.
Quest Diagnostics' new self-collection service for GTI testing represents a strategic move in the evolving diagnostics landscape. Key market implications include:
- Addressing the
51% of consumers who prioritize convenience in healthcare decisions - Potential to capture a larger share of the vaginitis testing market, which affects 1 in 3 women
- Strengthening Quest's position in the growing consumer-initiated testing sector
This initiative aligns with broader healthcare trends towards patient empowerment and convenience-driven services. By offering this service through both physician channels and their direct-to-consumer platform, Quest is diversifying its revenue streams and potentially expanding its customer base.
The move could also help Quest maintain its competitive edge against both traditional lab competitors and emerging at-home testing startups. While the immediate revenue impact may be modest, the long-term strategic value lies in customer acquisition and loyalty, especially among younger demographics who value convenience and discretion in healthcare services.
Investors should view this as a positive indicator of Quest's ability to innovate and adapt to market demands, potentially leading to sustained growth in the women's health diagnostics segment.
First-of-its-kind service empowers discreet and more convenient access to testing and treatment for vaginitis and similar genital tract infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis and Mycoplasma genitalium
Self-collection option available at no extra charge at any of Quest's 2,000 patient service centers with a physician's order or through Quest's consumer-initiated test platform at questhealth.com
"Quest is constantly looking for ways to meet the needs of the communities we serve to empower choice and convenience as well as better health outcomes. Giving patients the option to self-collect in our patient service centers will increase access to important sexual health testing for many," said Kathleen Valentine, Vice President and General Manager of Women's and Reproductive Health Services at Quest Diagnostics.
The new offering utilizes the FDA-cleared Aptima® Multi-test swab for patient-collected vaginal specimens. The FDA cleared the swab for patient self-collection in clinical settings, such as those of Quest's patient service centers or in traditional clinical settings like a doctor's office. It is not FDA cleared for at-home collection, and self-collection is not intended to replace a pelvic examination provided by a clinician. Patients should inform their healthcare provider if they suspect that they are pregnant or if they have recently had symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease (such as pelvic pain, pain with sexual intercourse, unusual vaginal discharge or bad odor).
When testing for genital tract infections in conventional practice, a healthcare provider collects a specimen from a patient in their office or clinic and forwards it to a laboratory for testing. With the new Quest self-collection service, patients with symptoms may, with an electronically placed physician's order, vaginally self-collect in a private room at a Quest Diagnostics patient service center using a simple step-by-step guide. Collection directions will be provided for self-collections, however some patients may experience difficulty with self-collection and may require a visit to their healthcare provider to assist with the collection. The Quest Diagnostics patient service center will send the specimen to the testing laboratory. Test results are provided to the provider and patient electronically. The provider may review the results and provide treatment during a separate patient visit and provide further evaluation as needed. The self-collect option is available at no extra charge for the patient or health plan.
"Unidentified and untreated GTIs can lead to serious, long-term health issues, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, chronic pelvic pain or problems in pregnancy," said board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist Damian P. Alagia, MD, Senior Medical Director, Women's Health, Quest Diagnostics. "Specimen self-collection has been shown to appeal to many female patients as an alternative to a provider-performed collection but with comparable accuracy. I am confident that our specimen self-collection option will help women feel more comfortable seeking out the testing they need."
The new collection method may be used for laboratory testing of six common infections and causes of vaginitis, which affects one in three women in their lifetime1, including bacterial vaginosis (BV), vulvovaginal candidiasis (yeast infection) and trichomoniasis. It may also be used to test for similar common GTIs including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and Mycoplasma genitalium. Vaginitis is a highly common condition that can cause irritation and discomfort. It may be due to any number of factors that include certain sexually transmitted infections and similar genital tract conditions such as bacterial vaginosis/vaginitis and candidiasis.
The new offering provides more choice to patients interested in a discreet method of collection, improves access to testing and treatment, and reduces pressure on physicians and other healthcare professionals to accommodate patients requiring urgent evaluation. This capability comes at a time when emerging solutions allow for specimen collection in new and various settings, enabling more accessible care. In a recent survey,
For more information on the company's GTI clinical offerings for physician order, visit www.QuestWomensHealth.com.
Choosing the specimen self-collection option via questhealth.com
In addition to the physician channel, patients may also utilize the specimen self-collection option when ordering laboratory testing for one or more GTIs via Quest's consumer-initiated testing platform, questhealth.com. Individuals who purchase testing through questhealth.com are able to discuss test results with a licensed physician from PWNHealth, an independent, third-party physician network. In addition, the physician may be able to provide treatment and prescribe medication for certain conditions based on test results.
With the availability of the new collection method at Quest's 2,000 patient service centers, several existing questhealth.com offerings have been updated to include the option to self-collect a specimen, including the Chlamydia & Gonorrhea Test, Trichomonas Test, Mycoplasma genitalium Test, the Basic and Expanded STD Screening Panels, and the recently introduced Bacterial Vaginosis and Vaginitis Test Panel Tests.
About Quest Diagnostics
Quest Diagnostics works across the healthcare ecosystem to create a healthier world, one life at a time. We provide diagnostic insights from the results of our laboratory testing to empower people, physicians and organizations to take action to improve health outcomes. Derived from one of the world's largest databases of de-identifiable clinical lab results, Quest's diagnostic insights reveal new avenues to identify and treat disease, inspire healthy behaviors and improve healthcare management. Quest Diagnostics annually serves one in three adult Americans and half the physicians and hospitals in
1 Vodstrcil LA, Plummer EL, Doyle M, Fairley CK, McGuiness C, Bateson D, Hocking JS, Law MG, Petoumenos K, Donovan B, Chow EPF, Bradshaw CS; StepUp RCT Team. Treating male partners of women with bacterial vaginosis (StepUp): a protocol for a randomised controlled trial to assess the clinical effectiveness of male partner treatment for reducing the risk of BV recurrence. BMC Infect Dis. 2020 Nov 11;20(1):834. doi: 10.1186/s12879-020-05563-w. PMID: 33176727; PMCID: PMC7661182.
2 2019 Healthcare Consumer Trends Report (nrchealth.com)
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SOURCE Quest Diagnostics
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