At-home tests grow in popularity

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — The landmark launch of Orasure Technologies' OraQuick In-Home HIV test last year was a key driver behind the 5.4% growth in the home-test kit category for the 12 weeks ended Dec. 30 across U.S. multi-outlets, according to SymphonyIRI Group data. The HIV test contributed $1 million in purely incremental sales to the total $15.5 million in category sales.

OraQuick contributes to a trend of more self-test diagnostic tools coming to market. According to Identigene, which manufactures a DNA test kit, there are three factors behind self testing — the continued shortage of family care physicians, the number of patients without insurance or who are under-insured and the proliferation of retail clinics, which is contributing to awareness of diagnostic options in the pharmacy.

The article above is part of the DSN Category Review Series. For the complete Diagnostics Sell-Through Report, including extensive charts, data and more analysis, click here.