A Simple Blood Test Can Help Pave the Road to Better Health

The road to better health is only a simple blood test away, thanks to a new consumer wellness package offered by Burlington-based global life sciences company LabCorp.

Pixel by LabCorp is a testing package that enables purchasers to collect a sample of their blood and send it to the company to be screened for wellness, heart health, diabetes and colorectal cancer. More tests will be made available soon, according to the company.

Here’s how it works. Consumers buy test packages online at Pixel.LabCorp.com, where they also set up an account. They’ll get a barcoded self-collection kit with detailed instructions and a postage-paid, pre-addressed and coded return envelop. LabCorp processes the blood samples and a board certified physician reviews them. An easy-to-read report is sent to the consumer’s online account several days after the lab receives the sample.

LabCorp said Pixel screening offers the convenience of “anytime, anywhere” sample self-collection. The tests establish a starting point from which to make improvements and provide a way for consumers to track their health over time. And they help motivate participants to set and maintain wellness goals.

“We are seeing a profound shift in consumer’s attitudes and expectations about  how they want to access healthcare,” said David P. King, LabCorp’s chairman and CEO. “Consumers are focusing on monitoring and improving their health and wellness rather than reacting to symptoms of disease. Pixel by LabCorp represents a powerful new tool for consumers to manage their health by initiating high-quality LabCorp testing where and when they choose.”

Testing kits are available in 45 states to consumers who are at least 18 years old. Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island currently aren’t included, according to LabCorp.

The company said Pixel by LabCorp is its latest effort to provide consumers with a variety of wellness tools that help them make more informed decisions. LabCorp also will establish patient service centers at more than 600 Walgreen pharmacies over the next four years. The LabCorp/Patient online portal and LabCorp/PreCheck provide testing information and improved online appointment scheduling at company locations. And the LabCorp/Express computer tablet-based system speeds up check-in at company sites and offers easy access to test results. Testing information also is available via iPhones by using Apple Health Records.

LabCorp operates one of the largest clinical laboratory networks in the world, including three dozen primary labs in the United States. It employs more than 60,000 people and reported 2017 net revenues of more than $10 billion.