General Government & Technology Medical Technology

If Theranos can do this, why not 23andme?

theranos walgreens

Theranos opens in Maryland, and 23andme is still chatting with the left in last century organization , FDA, which is always busy with its special interest groups. (United Healthcare on speed dial?) See our first post on Theranos – An Almost Great Start Up

I find it odd that Walgreens in Maryland can give blood tests to anyone over 18, you don’t need an Rx, and it comes with a consult with a pharmacist.

Yet, 23andme can’t read your genes and tell you what the published literature says about it.

Walgreens says: Test results are not for diagnostic or treatment purposes and are not conclusive as to the absence or presence of any health condition.

So why does a consultation with a pharmacist come with the blood test that is not for diagnostic purposes? To discuss the weather? This is BS. Of course the tests are going to be used for diagnostic purposes and I bet these stores s will show increased statin sales to go with the pharmacist being asked, “Is my cholesterol high?” Oh, how I would love to see a brochure from Stephen Sinatra, MD, FACC right there telling people that the current cholesterol levels are a scam.

Here’s the PR from Walgreens:

Walgreens (NYSE: WAG) (NASDAQ: WAG) is now offering daily testing for cholesterol, blood glucose and body composition at more than 60 stores in Maryland. Each test also includes a free blood pressure reading and personal consultation with a Walgreens pharmacist.

“Providing convenient, affordable access to health testing services is an important part of our commitment to disease prevention and chronic care management,” said Jon Reitz, market pharmacy director, Walgreens. “As the most accessible health care providers, our pharmacists are spending more time with patients through consultations, immunizations, medication questions or concerns, health testing and other important services to help our customers get, stay and live well.”

Tests are available to those ages 18 and over at most stores during pharmacy hours daily with no appointment necessary. Walgreens offers health testing daily at more than 4,100 stores in 41 states. To find the nearest Walgreens offering these testing services, visit the store locator at www.walgreens.com/findahealthtest, or call 1-877-W-and-YOU (1-877-926-3968).

Walgreens pharmacists administer tests by fingerstick. Cost for testing is:

— Total Cholesterol – $35

— Blood Glucose – $20

— Body Composition – $15

— Wellness Pack: Cholesterol, Blood Glucose and Body Composition – $65

— Blood pressure – free with every health test

Test results are not for diagnostic or treatment purposes and are not conclusive as to the absence or presence of any health condition. Customers are encouraged to share test results with their primary care physician.

You Might Also Like

6 Comments

  • Reply
    df@sdf.com
    December 17, 2013 at 8:19 am

    This is not rocket science. Walgreens is using an FDA approved device to test your cholesterol. so no doctor approval required, just like you could buy your own glucose meter and test your own glucose — because glucose meter will be fad approved.

    THeranos is a CLIA approved lab — so they have to operate by a doctor instruction. Absent FDA approval, FDA cannot sell direct to consumers (w out doctor instruction) either.

    23andme sold directly to consumers — no doctor involved — hence they got in trouble.

    • Reply
      panet
      December 17, 2013 at 2:21 pm

      Being approved by the FDA does not mean an Rx is not needed. Pharmaceutical drugs with FDA approval need to be Rx’ed if sold in this country.

      23andme is not a medical device. Why should a doctor have to act as middleman to report back to you what your genes say any more than you need a doctor to read a thermometer and report back what your temp it. 23andme did not diagnose.

      23andme got “in trouble” because the writing is on the wall: big money to be made here and United Healthcare wants in on it.

      Rocket science is surely isn’t, I agree.

  • Reply
    Jimbob
    December 17, 2013 at 1:10 pm

    The Maryland service has nothing to do w/Theranos.

    • Reply
      panet
      December 17, 2013 at 2:22 pm

      They are using Theranos technology (micro blood samples from finger pricks).

  • Reply
    ThePatriotMuckraker
    November 2, 2014 at 4:51 pm

    She is like the zuckerberg of blood testing, lol. If you listen to her babble you will marvel at all the “genius” accolades people throw on her. It’s call being blinded by cash. I’ve known many people who were far smarter than her. When she is interviewed it is all feel good “uhm, uhm, uhm. . .” No substance, just vague “ideas” selling vaporware. Just like zuckerberg.

  • Reply
    Ther Denglo
    April 21, 2016 at 9:51 am

    Theranos has never and never will operate in Maryland thanks to our state regulators. Great job DHMH!

Leave a Reply to panet Cancel Reply