Labcorp is expanding its sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing offering to include a rapid syphilis test

Labcorp serves as the exclusive NOWDiagnostics (NOWDx) clinical testing distributor in the United States. offers the First to Know® syphilis test nationwide

BURLINGTON, NC, Oct 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Labcorp (NYSE: LH), a global leader in innovative and comprehensive laboratory services, today announced that it has expanded its portfolio of sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing options to include the First to Know® Syphilis Test first over-the-counter blood test to receive market approval from the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and can be used by both physicians and patients.

Labcorp will serve as the exclusive distributor of the “First to Know” syphilis test to healthcare providers nationwide through an agreement with over-the-counter and point-of-care diagnostic test developer NOWDiagnostics (NOWDx). This new offering reflects Labcorp’s commitment to expanding provider and patient access to rapid and reliable syphilis testing to help combat the syphilis epidemic.

Syphilis cases in the United States increased 80% between 2018 and 2022, with over 207,000 reported cases in 2022. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), most cases are asymptomatic or undiagnosed, making testing critical for diagnosis and treatment. If left untreated, syphilis can severely damage the heart and brain, causing blindness, deafness and paralysis.

“The recent surge in syphilis cases highlights a critical gap in testing and treatment across the country,” said Dr. Brian CaveneyChief Medical and Scientific Officer of Labcorp. “This test is another tool in the arsenal of a provider facing this serious public health emergency. Our agreement with NOWDx reflects our commitment to providing healthcare providers and patients across the country with access to tests that provide rapid, reliable results that empower them to make informed decisions about their health.”

Labcorp will leverage its scale as one of the largest diagnostic laboratories in the world to enable widespread availability of the “First to Know” syphilis test, which provides a result in 15 minutes using just a single drop of blood from the fingertip can. Doctors can use the test in clinical settings or give it to a patient to do in the comfort of their own home. Labcorp plans to make the test available to providers by the end of 2024 and directly to patients through Labcorp OnDemand in 2025.

“Labcorp’s strong infrastructure and commitment to advancing diagnostic technology and making testing widely available make it the ideal partner to expand access to our testing and address critical public health issues, such as the increase in syphilis cases. cases,” said Robert WeigleCEO of NOWDx. “Together, we want to ensure that our cutting-edge, easy-to-use tests are accessible to more patients and healthcare providers, ultimately improving early detection and treatment outcomes.”

As the FDA has stated, the results of the First to Know syphilis test alone are not sufficient to diagnose a syphilis infection and additional testing should be performed to confirm a syphilis diagnosis.

Labcorp currently offers treponemal and non-treponemal tests recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the screening and diagnosis of syphilis. The company has seen syphilis testing volume more than double in the last decade, reaching over 5.5 million tests annually.

For further information please contact [email protected].

About Labcorp
Labcorp (NYSE: LH) is a global leader in innovative and comprehensive laboratory services, helping physicians, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, researchers and patients make clear, confident decisions. We deliver insights and advance science to improve health and lives through our unparalleled laboratory capabilities in diagnostics and drug development. The company’s more than 67,000 employees serve customers in approximately 100 countries, supported 84% of new drugs and therapeutic products approved by the FDA in 2023, and performed more than 600 million tests for patients around the world. Find out more about us at www.labcorp.com.

About NOWDiagnostics (NOWDx)
NOWDx develops and produces over-the-counter (OTC) and point-of-care (POC) diagnostic tests. Its patented approach allows almost all immunological tests to be performed precisely on-site in one step using a small amount of capillary blood and delivers results in minutes. With over 75 issued and pending patents, NOWDx’s First To Know® and ADEXUSDx® product lines are available in markets worldwide. Founded in 2013, with headquarters and production in Springdale, ArkansasNOWDx envisions a world where people have greater access to in-home testing with results in minutes. The company’s investors include Kompass Kapital Management, DigitalDx Ventures and Labcorp Venture Fund. NOWDx is committed to transforming healthcare by providing accessible, affordable and accurate testing for everyone. For more information, visit nowdx.com.

SOURCE Labcorp

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