Survey Reports Rapid Growth of At-Home Diagnostic Test Kits 36715
Consumer interest and improved outcomes are among key drivers, but economic downturn and supply chain issues still pose challenges.
According to a recent study by R.R. Donnelley & Sons Co. (RRD), the medical packaging industry is seeing an increased demand for diagnostic test kits delivered to consumers’ homes — a trend fueled by consumerization as well as COVID-19.
Of the 200 supply chain professionals participating in the survey, 97% noted an increase in demand for at-home testing over the last two years. Of that group, 95% felt confident about meeting this demand, with the same percentage indicating that they are looking for the right outsourcing partners to do so.
Comfort and convenience drive growth.
Routine COVID-19 testing has made consumers more comfortable with self-testing at home and more accustomed to the convenience it affords. As a result, testing for a range of medical concerns — from fertility and food sensitivity to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) — can now be done in the privacy of their homes.
Findings from the Diagnostic Drivers Report show promising growth for emerging diagnostic categories and combination tests that test for more than one condition. In addition to pregnancy (52%) and combination tests (44%), STI (48%), food sensitivity (43%), and fertility tests (43%) ranked most often in the top three for market opportunity in 2023.
Health plans approve at-home testing.
While consumer convenience (21%) and privacy (20%) are key drivers of the growing demand for at-home tests, the trend is being driven primarily by increased interest from health plans (25%) in offering this type of product to members.
According to John Marrow, president of RRD Supply Chain Solutions, these health plans, also known as health insurance companies, are interested in offering members at-home diagnostic testing for several reasons:
• heightened consumer interest and comfort with self-testing;