Babson Diagnostics unveils BetterWay blood testing across Austin

Babson Diagnostics is unveiling BetterWay blood testing, which the company touts as a lab test that provides a patient-preferred experience and one which enables high-quality testing in more convenient settings. 

Emphasizing that blood testing is the best way to monitor and manage health, Babson Diagnostics said that 14 billion laboratory tests are ordered annually to diagnose and monitor critical medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, thyroid disease and infections. Yet 40% of people say they avoid doctor-recommended testing for many reasons, including affordability, fear of needles, discomfort and inconvenience, Babson Diagnostics said.

The company explained that BetterWay is a first-of-its-kind lab test that uses a small amount of blood—about the size of a pea—from a fingertip. BetterWay’s unique finger collection device, technology ecosystem and state-of-the-art microsample lab eliminate the need for a phlebotomist, needles and the vials of blood typically required for diagnostic lab testing.

Austin is the launching pad for BetterWay, which is now available at select locations including H-E-B Pharmacy, Peoples Rx and Lake Hills Pharmacy, where 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 a day or two, the company said.

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“We’ve achieved something that many said could not be done,” said David Stein, CEO of Babson. “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.”

Key Benefits:

• Convenient: Consumers can get tested at places where they already shop that have convenient retail hours in the evenings and on weekends. Babson said its studies show a strong preference for the retail pharmacy location and pharmacy team members as collection techs. 
• Accurate: Babson has conducted more than 44 clinical studies, with over 4,000 study subjects, to ensure that BetterWay test results are equivalent to traditional blood testing methods and can be used for clinical decision-making, diagnosis and treatment.
• Patient-centered: BetterWay offers an extensive menu covering testing needed for annual wellness exams, chronic condition management and screenings. Insurance is accepted for testing ordered by a clinician for medical care. Consumers also can order tests for themselves online, with pricing up to 50% less than other self-pay options.
• Less invasive: BetterWay’s unique collection device, developed in partnership with BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), improves access for people who fear needles, have difficult veins or faint when having blood drawn, a condition known as vasovagal syncope.

“We started Babson with a simple idea,” 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.”

“BetterWay blood testing offers convenience and results patients and practitioners can rely on,” said Dr. Thomas Blevins, an endocrinologist at Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology in Austin. “Babson’s approach allows patients to get labs done in a timely manner at a location they know and trust, while giving us the actionable information we need to evaluate their health.”

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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 here.