Demand for personalized and convenient solutions to measure, manage and improve health is rapidly increasing. The convenience and accessibility of Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) diagnostic laboratory testing allow consumers to access a wide range of tests without the need for a healthcare provider’s order, making it easier for people to proactively take control of their health and well-being.
Private lab testing extends beyond the scope of routine clinical check-ups. It offers insight into a variety of health parameters, including metabolic health, heart health, hormone levels, vitamin and nutrient deficiencies, specialized allergy and immune screens, genetic predisposition, in addition to chronic and rare diseases. The DTC blood and specimen test kits allow individuals to easily order tests online or via a mobile app, eliminating the need to consult a clinician or visit a medical centre. This flexibility is particularly advantageous for individuals with busy schedules, mobility issues, or those residing in remote areas with limited access to medical facilities. Private test kits are sent directly to consumers or third-party collectors, such as TapLabs, eliminating the need for travel, waiting rooms, and face-to-face interactions, making them more convenient and accessible.
With the market on the rise, there is a growing demand for genetic testing services and genetic kits. Consumers are increasingly interested in services such as ancestry tracing and health risk assessment for personalized medicine. Working with private laboratories across North America, TapLabs provides access to advanced and precision diagnostic testing to help individuals. The benefits of DTC lab tests include:
- Early disease detection: Detecting potential health issues before symptoms manifest, enabling early intervention and better treatment outcomes.
- Prevention and wellness: Helping identify risk factors and guiding preventative measures for optimal health.
- Monitoring chronic conditions: Providing insights into the effectiveness of treatments, allowing healthcare professionals to adjust medications or therapies as needed.
- Personalized treatment plans: Offering valuable information to develop individualized treatment plans based on specific health needs.
- Proactive health management: Monitoring key health markers to facilitate proactive steps to improve well-being.
Since opening for business in 2021, TapLabs has collaborated with clinics and laboratories across North America and abroad to conduct bloodwork and specimen collection for private testing and this has become standard practice for our team. We are seeing an upward trend in demand for private tests and an ever-increasing spectrum of specialized target testing aimed at diagnosis, health monitoring and longevity. The advancement of private testing has recently generated interest from forward thinking employers and health insurance companies aiming to enhance the health and wellness programs and initiatives within the workplace.
Because blood and specimen samples are shipped to laboratories abroad, consumers are urged to do their homework and seek a third-party collector with extensive experience in sample collection, handling, and shipping requirements. The cost of private tests can be steep, as such it’s paramount that samples remain stable from the time of collection through delivery to the receiving laboratory – and that’s where TapLabs comes in.
Post collection sample processing to prepare the sample for testing is vital.
Our lab technicians adhere to stringent collection instructions outlined by the laboratories responsible for testing. Often, samples must undergo a specific period of rest before being centrifuged, a process that may be time-consuming. However, our team is equipped with mobile centrifuges in their vehicles, enabling them to centrifuge while on the move. Some tests, such as those that need to be frozen immediately after collection, will need to be collected at our clinic to ensure we accurately abide by all the prescribed steps.
Maintaining the sample integrity from the time of collection and through its journey to the lab.
To maintain the integrity of the samples, the handling and shipping of samples requires careful consideration of the temperature. Consequently, some samples require freezing and shipping on Dry Ice to guarantee they remain frozen throughout the transportation process. Other samples can be shipped at room temperature or kept cool, and our team ensures they are packaged correctly to maintain the required temperature.
Samples need to arrive at the lab during specific hours to ensure sample integrity.
Special attention must be given to the days and times when samples can be collected and shipped out. Since labs are typically closed over the weekend, it is often essential to collect samples earlier in the week to ensure they reach the lab before the end of the week and can be promptly processed, ensuring sample integrity protocols are not compromised.
Invest in your health with TapLabs.
TapLabs delivers a fast, convenient, and confidential private lab testing experience. From a wide range of testing options to private kit collections, TapLabs acts as a conduit to getting you the information necessary to make informed decisions about your health and well-being. Contact TapLabs today and experience the difference that private lab testing can make in enhancing your healthcare journey.
