First PFAS "Forever Chemicals" Consumer-Initiated Blood Test with Physician Consult Launches on questhealth.com
- Directed at individuals who may be at risk of elevated PFAS exposure, the new test detects and measures PFAS identified by
National Academies of Sciences , Engineering, and Medicine - Organizations interested in workforce, community, and research population testing may also access the test
Available at questhealth.com, the new test, PFAS (Forever Chemicals)
According to the
"Scientists and the general public are increasingly aware that PFAS may be dangerous to human health, but access to quality, convenient testing to assess exposure is limited," said
Testing may be right for people who likely have had elevated exposure to PFAS. These may include people who have been exposed to PFAS while on the job, such as firefighters, or who used a water supply near a commercial or industrial location, as well as those living near a facility that manufactures fluorochemicals or areas of documented PFAS environmental contamination.
The new test from Quest features several unique innovations. It is the first PFAS blood test available as a consumer-initiated test with physician consult to report a sum of PFAS chemicals based on level of health risks identified by the
The test is also widely available; individuals can visit most of Quest's approximately 2,100 patient service centers in the
In addition to offering the test to consumers, Quest is making the test available via B2B channels for organizations seeking workforce, community, or research-based testing for at-risk populations due to concerns about elevated PFAS exposures. The company plans to introduce a version of the test specifically for physicians to aid patient care later this year.
PFAS Testing Based on the Latest Science
In recent years, a growing body of science has revealed potential health risks of exposure to PFAS. In
The Quest test aligns with several recommendations from NASEM on PFAS testing, including:
- Use of serum or plasma blood specimens (blood taken from an arm) instead of capillary blood specimens (from a fingerstick).
- Quantifying levels of several specific PFAS chemicals identified for potential health risks.
- Reporting the sum of those levels by three general risk categories.
According to NASEM, individuals whose results are in the third, or highest, category (levels of 20 ng/mL or above) may benefit from additional medical care, such as thyroid function testing and assessment of signs of kidney and testicular cancer. While most individuals have some level of PFAS exposure, an estimated 9% of Americans have PFAS levels of 20 ng/mL or higher, typically due to environmental or occupational exposure.
In
About PFAS
PFAS are synthetic chemicals widely used in thousands of industrial and consumer products and which may enter the body through contaminated food and water. While there is no current medical treatment available to reduce PFAS levels, individuals can take steps to limit or reduce their exposure.
PFAS chemicals are associated with
Human health effects from exposure to low environmental levels of PFAS are uncertain. More research is needed to assess the human health effects of exposure to PFAS. Finding PFAS in an individual's blood does not mean that the levels of PFAS harmed the individual's health. For more information about PFAS chemicals see:
-
CDC : Per- andPolyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and Your Health . -
EPA : Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS).
Consumer-Initiated Testing with a Physician Consult
The PFAS (Forever Chemicals)
A Solution for Population Testing Public Health Departments, Employers, Military Sites, Municipalities, and other Organizations
Quest is also offering the PFAS test panel on a limited basis to organizations seeking to provide PFAS testing for workforce, community, research, and other population-based testing. For additional information about B2B testing program, interested parties may contact
*PFAS blood testing does not identify the sources of a person's exposure or predict future health outcomes. This test assesses PFAS levels at the time of the blood sample collection. This PFAS test is not intended for use in the diagnosis of any disease or other conditions, or for use in the cure, mitigation, or treatment of any disease or condition. Only a physician can diagnose a health condition or outcome. This test is not appropriate for forensic use. Not available for purchase in AK, AZ, HI, or NY.
** In
About Quest
Quest, through questhealth.com, empowers consumers by making affordable, high-quality, trusted healthcare easy. With innovative tools, we give consumers more control over their own healthcare journeys and meet them where they are, supporting both consumers and their care teams. Our consumer-initiated test service allows people access to the same quality lab tests used by doctors and hospitals, providing the information and insights they need about their health. With more than 75+ lab tests available at questhealth.com, from general health profiles to tests for conditions ranging from heart health to sexually transmitted diseases, consumers can shop, schedule test appointments, and access results securely from a phone or computer.
About
Quest® is the brand name used for services offered by
1 Leonardo Trasande,
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