By Diagnostic World News Staff
August 21, 2015 | Now you can get genomics test results with an easy in-app purchase. Pathway Genomics is offering its Pathway Fit genetic test for purchase through the Pathway app, further lowering the barrier to test access.
The Pathway App is freely available in iOS and Android app stores. Anyone can download the app and scroll through a list of tests on offer. Seven of Pathway’s tests are listed in the app: their pharmacogenomic tests and their general health and wellness tests.
App users can enter their contact details to get more information on six of the tests, but for the Pathway Fit test, users can buy it immediately, paying with PayPal or via credit card. The regular cost of the Pathway Fit test is $599, but until the end of August, the report is available for purchase through the app for $99.
The Pathway Fit test has been selling globally for several years, Ardy Arianpour, Pathway Genomics’ Chief Commercial Officer, explained. The test is sold in 45 different countries and its reports are translated into dozens of languages. It’s one of five tests in Pathway’s general health and wellness category. The company reports that the test “analyzes over 75 genetic markers known to impact metabolism, exercise and energy use within the human body.”
The findings report—returned through the app as well—gives what Pathway calls a “detailed analysis on how a patient’s body responds to exercise and performance, and provides strategies to help a patient reach an optimal potential to maintain a healthy weight based on that specific patient’s genetics.”
The term “patient” is deliberate. As with all of Pathway’s tests, Pathway Fit is ordered by a doctor.
Once the test is purchased through the app, the user fills out a medical history and a physician reviews the request and orders the test. A saliva collection tube is then shipped to the user, and the Pathway report is returned within the app within two weeks.
“Until last week you had to physically go to your physician to get a [Pathway Genomics] genetic test,” Arianpour said. “Since Pathway Fit is a low risk test that covers diet, exercise, diet guidelines, metabolism based off of your genetic results, we were able to partner with a telemedicine digital doctor network.”
Most patients won’t speak with a doctor. As long as the patient’s data raises no red flags, the ordering physician simply signs off on the test and the sample kit is shipped. If there are concerns, the ordering physician will reject the order.
“We’re really enabling consumers to have access to getting a genetic test in the ethical way by having a doctor order it,” said Ariapour. “But we’re bridging the gap by utilizing our app in order to fulfill those requests and orders. It’s only been a week, but it’s been working out really good.”
Consumer genomic testing companies have been treading carefully since the FDA issued its warning letter to 23andMe in November 2013. But a model is emerging that has companies picking up speed. Color Genomics, Invitae, and Kailos Genetics all recently launched tests that are marketed to consumers, but provided with a doctor’s orders. Most tests are paid for by consumers, sidestepping insurance red tape entirely. Pathway’s in-app ordering further lubricates the process.
“We have figured out a way to make it as easy as possible—not only easy for the physician, but easy for the patient or consumer as well,” Arianpour said.