Most medical tests sold directly to patients ‘lack clear benefits’ — even the ones costing $1900
Some tests cost almost $2000.
Direct-to-patient medical tests are a growing business, but Australian researchers are warning that most tests achieve nothing.
A University of Wollongong study found 484 direct-to-consumer medical tests available online without a referral, costing between $13 and $1947.
They involved a range of conditions or health measures, including cancer, STIs, ‘biological age’ and bone health.
Study author and sociologist Dr Patti Shih (PhD) said it was a mix of at-home tests and pathology self-referrals: either patients sending a sample to a laboratory or attending in person.
