Revisiting streamlined consumer blood testing — with David Stein

While the world has been glued to Elizabeth Holmes' trial, the digital health startup world hasn't given up on the original dream of Theranos: convenient, accessible, low-cost blood testing available at retail locations in the community. In today's HIMSSCast, host Jonah Comstock checks in with David Stein, CEO of Babson Diagnostics. The company has developed a low-volume blood test that can be operated without a phlebotomist and can perform a large panel of often-requested diagnostics. Jonah and David discuss why this technology is important, how it works, and what it's like to operate in this space when the wounds from the Theranos scandal are still fresh.

Talking points:

• Babson’s pitch (and the elephant in the room)
• Doing accessible blood testing “without cheats”
• Partnering with retailers, Siemens, and BD
• Innovating the blood draw itself, and why its important
• Innovating the logistics of the testing industry
• A win-win for consumers, payers, providers, and retailers
• How easy consumer blood testing can fit into other virtual care trends
• The impact of the Theranos scandal on the blood testing industry
• How Babson approaches innovation at scale
• Consumer blood testing and health equity
• Helping people take control of their own health
• Integrating point solutions into one healthcare ecosystem

More about this episode:

Theranos whistleblower talks ethics in health tech startups

Time for Innovation in Blood Testing Technology (from Babson's website)

'Omnichannel' is the new watchword as big tech, retail get serious about healthcare

Blood testing startup partners with Israel’s Sheba Medical Center to support COVID-19 quarantine measures