Analyte Health, a Chicago-based direct-to-consumer diagnostic testing provider, is building out its suite of services — a portfolio that's exclusively focused on sexually transmitted diseases since the company's launch in 2009.
For nearly a decade, Analyte Health has offered laboratory-based STD testing throughout the U.S. under the brand STD Test Express. The online clinic boasts it provides patients with "hassle-free" testing for chlamydia, HIV and syphilis — among other infections — in four steps: submit intake forms, visit a nearby clinic, review results online and consult with a remote clinician through Analyte Physicians Group.
However, after joining the leadership team this spring, Analyte Health CEO Kevin Weinstein made it one of his top priorities to expand the business beyond sexual health.
"There's a general awareness and desire among consumers to take control of their health in ways that never existed before," Mr. Weinstein says. While mHealth apps, MinuteClinics and urgent care centers have given consumers "infinitely more choices than they had 30 years ago" when it comes to accessing healthcare management services, he says the options for diagnostic services are still lacking.
"The diagnostic workflow has traditionally been you go either to the hospital or to your physician — and that's the only way that you can gain access," he says. "[Diagnostic information] is a tool that should be more available to consumers as they're managing their own health."
Mr. Weinstein's vision for Analyte Health is taking shape with the Dec. 1 launch of the company's second brand: Health Test Express, a provider of at-home diagnostic test kits. Through HealthTestExpress.com, patients have the option to mail-order blood, saliva and urine test kits for 13 conditions, spanning STD, fertility and specialty diagnostics. Patients can also submit samples for general wellness insights, such as assessing their cholesterol levels.
Health Test Express uploads patient lab results online and provides patients with the option to schedule follow-up consultations through Analyte Physicians Group, the company's specialty network of physicians and nurses. A patient can also request a copy of their lab report and medical record to bring to their existing provider.
To boost Health Test Express' initial rollout, Mr. Weinstein says the company is planning to add diagnostic tests related to genetic screening in 2018.
"It follows the consumer demand," he says. "It's very hard to go out and find a doctor to get genetic information. That's why the consumer approach makes a lot of sense."