 |
| Suburban firm develops home test for health risks
By Patrycja Malinowska Home Access Health Corp., the only personalized diagnostics company approved by the FDA to provide at-home testing for HIV and Hepatitis C, has developed a confidential, at-home way to detect warning signs of heart disease and diabetes. In the past, screening for diabetes and heart disease could only be reliably performed on vials of fresh blood, but Home Access’ scientist Illiad Vinogradov has developed a patent-pending laboratory algorithm that allows for accurate testing on a minuscule amount of dried blood. The at-home process begins with a few drops of blood absorbed by a collection device containing a solution that immediately separates red blood cells from blood serum. Once the sample is mailed to Home Access headquarters in Hoffman Estates, laboratory technicians use the algorithm to reconstitute the sample back to an equivalent testing outcome of a venous blood draw. After analyzing lipids, liver enzymes and hemoglobin to assess heart disease and diabetes risk, Home Access provides test results and follow-up consultation services. “We’re not just providing test kits — it’s a system,” said Home Access President Tracey Powell, who founded the company in 1993. The approach starts with the test kit and continues to the Home Access call center, where counselors are available to help people understand their test results. “One of the most important things is getting people to take the next step to make testing effective,” Powell said. Powell’s mission to help people stems partially from his personal life. His father, who was not aware of his cholesterol levels until it was too late, died at the age of 50 from a heart attack. At age 45, Powell happened upon a free cholesterol test; his results placed him at high risk for cardiovascular disease. “I sort of had a wake up call,” he said. By seeing a doctor, making lifestyle changes and regularly taking medication, he was able to improve his results and remains at a healthy cholesterol level 10 years later. “There are millions of people that are like me, people like my dad,” Powell said. “He didn’t need to die.” Home Access recently partnered with the American Diabetes Association, which will co-brand Home Access’ test kits to reach more people. “By working with Home Access, we are adding a reliable screening and counseling component to our efforts which will enhance our ability to reach populations that are disproportionately at risk for type-2 diabetes and heart disease,” said Richard Kahn, chief scientific and medical officer for the association. The cardiometabolic risk test is not yet available in stores but is offered through employer-sponsored programs and on-site health events. It may also be obtained with a physician’s order by calling (800) 448-8378 or visiting the Home Access Web site: homeaccess.com/. The test will become available on a direct basis through the internet later this year and will be sold in stores in 2008.
|