This past summer, health tech company Ro acquired the at-home diagnostics startup 'Kit,' which offers a range of self-administrable testing solutions, including finger-prick blood assays and saliva collection. The aim of the acquisition was to further expand Ro's lab infrastructure and diagnostic capabilities to strengthen its main telehealth platform.
Moving forward, Ro users will be able to order Kit tests through Ro's platform. The new solution will enable users to accurately assess and monitor a variety of health conditions ranging from chronic health problems to sexual health and weight management.
"Combining Kit with Workpath, our existing in-home care API will enable Ro and other healthcare companies to send either a healthcare professional or test kit to a patient's home with the click of a button. Ultimately, this delivers unrivaled convenience for patients and turns the home into the exam room of the future," said Zachariah Reitano, co-founder and CEO of Ro.
Home Blood Test Kits
Ro Aquires Home Diagnostics Startup 'Kit' to Support its Telehealth Platform
Trend Themes
1. At-home Diagnostics - The acquisition of 'Kit' by Ro signals a trend in the development of at-home diagnostics and self-administrable testing solutions
2. Telehealth Expansion - Ro's acquisition of 'Kit' demonstrates the trend of healthcare companies expanding their telehealth services by incorporating lab infrastructure and diagnostic capabilities
3. Convenient Patient Care - The incorporation of 'Kit' into Ro's platform shows a trend towards offering patients unrivaled convenience by turning the home into the exam room of the future
Industry Implications
1. Health Tech - The acquisition of 'Kit' by Ro highlights a disruptive innovation opportunity in the emerging health tech industry, particularly in at-home diagnostics and lab infrastructure for telehealth services
2. Telemedicine - Ro's integration of 'Kit' highlights an opportunity for the telemedicine industry to expand its services and capabilities through partnerships and acquisitions
3. Healthcare Logistics - Ro's integration of 'Kit' and 'Workpath' represents an innovation opportunity in healthcare logistics, particularly in the development of in-home care APIs and the distribution of test kits to patients' homes