GNC offering 1health’s at-home COVID-19 saliva test
GNC has added an at-home COVID-19 test to its offerings. The Pittsburgh-based company is rolling out testing kits to GNC.com and GNC4U.com as part of GNC4U’s ongoing partnership with 1health, a testing-as-a-service company looking to increase access to COVID-19 testing alongside its Vitagene consumer brand of personalized wellness, exercise and nutrition plans.
The test, which 1health initially brought to market in partnership with IBX, has a greater than 99% sensitivity and specificity, the company said, citing available data.
"Our mission is to support our consumers'desires to Live Well and meet their individual health and wellness needs," said Ryan Ostrom, GNC's chief brand officer. "Through GNC4U, we're committed to helping people take control of their personal health journeys by providing them with tailored solutions. With so many organizations requiring tests for various reasons including traveling or playing sports even if individuals aren't experiencing symptoms, it became obvious that consumers were looking for an easy and accurate take home testing option. As an authority in the health and wellness space, we felt it was our responsibility to offer a quality solution and quickly partnered with the team at 1health to deliver that to our consumers."
The self-administered tests can be performed anywhere and offer a simple process for receicing results within 48 hours of the lab receiving the sample. For the test, saliva is collected in a tube, sealed with reagents and shipped to a qualified lab in a secure envelope. If the result is positive, the company said the result is reported to the appropriate authorities. Unused test kits can be stored for up to 12 months.
“Now more than ever, people are looking for health solutions that not only help them feel well, but also give them peace of mind,” Ostrom said. “With the availability of 1health's COVID-19 self-administered testing kits through GNC4U, we are proud to support the personal health of our customers, as well as the safety of our communities.”
Currently, the tests are priced at $129, which includes FedEx overnight shipping to the lab and a lab report.