Thanks to expanded offerings from Blueprint for Athletes, the Quest Diagnostics biomarker testing service, fitness enthusiasts can now do their own biomarker testing without having to leave their couch. The service gives athletes and consumers insights into their own biology to improve their performance.
After the purchase of a Field Kit, which includes a Mitra Microsampling device, an individual pricks his or her fingertip and then simply drops the sample in the mail to be sent to the lab for testing. Results include dietary insights, baseline data around lipids and Vitamin D, food allergens and metabolic performance, among other insights. The new at-home collection is available through purchase of the Blueprint for Athletes Hormone package and will be made available with other services in 2017. From Quest Diagnostics is also a feature where trained phlebotomists visit a person’s home as part of the “concierge collection” and collect blood for testing.
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“Based on our 50 years of diagnostic innovation, Quest is uniquely positioned to bring new capabilities to the consumer market,” Jay Wohlgemuth, M.D., senior vice president, research and development, and chief medical officer at Quest Diagnostics, said in a statement. “The microsampling and concierge options complement the overall enhancements to our Blueprint for Athletes offering, empowering individuals to pursue their athletic and fitness pursuits armed with the individualized insights only state-of-the-art biometric lab testing can provide.”
Added Richard C. Schwabacher, executive director, sports science and human performance for Quest Diagnostics in a statement: “With these new services, athletes have the flexibility to choose options that offer convenience in their busy lives and meet their fitness objectives, backed by scientific expertise from the world’s largest medical diagnostic provider,” Richard C. Schwabacher, executive director, sports science and human performance for Quest Diagnostics said in a statement. “Based on actionable information from their test results, athletes can design a program to achieve their personal best.”
Through Blueprint for Athletes, athletes can access personal coaches as well to improve their fitness, better understand biomarker results and identify areas of improvement from a lifestyle, training and behavior standpoint. The sessions span 30 minutes and are additional features for certain Blueprint for Athletes tests.
“Although most athletes have a working knowledge of hydration and nutrition, they often lack the insights about how even minor adjustments, such as timing specific nutrient intake to training, competition and recovery, can offset the stress of heavy workouts and help the body to function more efficiently. Anyone serious about improving their fitness can stand to benefit from this new offering,” Martha Brandon, MS, CDE, RCEP, director, clinical operations, Quest Diagnostics said in a statement.