Diagnostic SARS-CoV-2 test offers availability on Amazon in new first during pandemic
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, access to testing has always been an area of attention. As cases continue to increase throughout most of the country, the need for testing that can be readily accessed has become even more apparent.
One clinical laboratory moved to meet the need for accessible testing by recently offering its COVID-19 diagnostic test through Amazon’s e-commerce platform. DxTerity Diagnostics now offers its DxTerity COVID-19 Saliva at-Home Collection Kit both as individual kits and as sets of 10 kits. This test became available on Amazon Jan. 5, 2021.
The DxTerity COVID-19 Saliva at-Home Collection Kit received an emergency use authorization (EUA) from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in early December. This EUA allowed use of the kit for both symptomatic and asymptomatic testing. A specimen can be collected at home but must be sent to DxTerity’s clinical laboratory in Los Angeles for PCR analysis. DxTerity indicates that results are available within 24 to 72 hours.
Amazon Fast Tracks COVID-19 Test Kits to Consumers
We have focused our efforts on adapting to the challenges of living and working during a pandemic,” said Bob Terbrueggen, PhD, Founder and CEO of DxTerity. “Our new at-home test provides the flexibility and reliability of results for people who are traveling, returning to work or simply want to ensure they can protect themselves and others. Amazon is the perfect partner for expanding access to millions of U.S. customers.”
In addition to the components needed to perform the test, the kits also include prepaid express return shipping labels. The kits also include information about how to register online and receive the necessary physician authorization prior to returning the test. According to the Amazon product description, the test results will be available online and can be easily printed as proof of test results.
While Amazon does not make the number of sales public, the DxTerity test kit was ranked as the No. 1 best seller in the Clinical Diagnostic Test Kits category within 48 hours of being listed on the e-commerce platform and had a five-star rating. Becoming a best seller in its category in such a short period of time indicates that sales for this test kit have grown rapidly.
Time for Clinical Laboratory Services to Become More Consumer Facing?
The availability of COVID-19 testing through Amazon indicates a shift in how patients are able to acquire testing. This shift began in mid-December as tests that could be performed completely at-home, and tests that could be purchased without a prescription both became available. The availability of COVID-19 tests on Amazon will likely continue this trend of increased accessibility of testing directly to patients.
While diagnostic testing for COVID-19 slowly shifts away from clinical laboratories, these changes can be beneficial. The recent success that DxTerity has apparently experienced shows the importance for clinical laboratories to leverage online sales channels and use alternative marketing methods that they may not have previously considered.
By exploring marketing methods that are outside the box, clinical laboratories may find new ways of offering their services during this pandemic.
—By Caleb Williams, Editor, COVID-19 STAT
