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AUSTIN — Babson Diagnostic has launched BetterWay blood testing, a first-of-its-kind lab test that uses a small amount of blood from a fingertip, eliminating the need for a phlebotomist, needles, and the vials of blood typically required for diagnostic lab testing.
Blood testing makes up 70% of a patient’s medical chart. In the U.S., 14 billion laboratory tests are ordered annually to diagnose and monitor critical medical conditions. Yet 40% of people say they avoid doctor-recommended testing for many reasons, including affordability, fear of needles, discomfort, and inconvenience.
Developed in partnership with BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), BetterWay is now available at select locations in Austin including H-E-B Pharmacy, Peoples Rx and Lake Hills Pharmacy. Trained pharmacy staff collect samples and use automated technology to prepare and store them. Couriers transport the samples to Babson’s Austin-based, CLIA-certified lab, and medically accurate, easy-to-understand test results are available within days.
“We’ve achieved something that many said could not be done,” said David Stein, Babson’s chief executive officer. “Our team has worked for years to completely reimagine blood testing to put the customer first. We said from day one that we want to be the blood test people don’t skip. With BetterWay, we are eliminating barriers and making it easier for consumers to get the blood tests they need both for preventative care and the management of chronic conditions.”
Babson conducted 44 clinical studies involving nearly 1 million blood tests to ensure that BetterWay results are equivalent to traditional blood testing methods and can be used for clinical decision-making, diagnosis, and treatment.
Insurance is accepted for testing ordered by a clinician for medical care. Consumers can also order tests for themselves online, with pricing up to 50% less than other self-pay options.
“We started Babson with a simple idea—to create blood testing that focuses on the most important element, the customer,” said Eric Olson, founder and chief operating officer. “I’m proud of what we have accomplished, but this is only the beginning of our journey. We look forward to bringing high-quality, affordable lab testing to more communities.”
Babson plans to partner with additional medical practices and bring BetterWay to more retail pharmacies across Austin and San Antonio by the end of the year. For a list of current retail locations, please visit BetterWay.com/locations.
