This is how rapid tests for cancer and other diseases work to do from home

There are few who do not have memories of the time when they had to insert an uncomfortable glass through their nose, while holding their breath, to determine if they were suffering from covid-19 in the midst of the pandemic that threatened the entire world in 2020.

The truth is that one of the positive things that the situation brought was the technological development of more comfortable, effective and affordable tests that would allow people to know if they were positive for the virus.

This added to the fact that Colombia, the first country in which it lands in the region, has the only store in the world to purchase this type of tests.

Max Beck, partner and co-founder of Newfoundland Latam, spoke with EL TIEMPO about These revolutionary early self-diagnosis tests for some diseases such as cancer, thyroid problems, HIV and even male fertility or vitamin deficiency.

How did the idea of ​​bringing Colombia to Newfoundland come about?

We have five main fields in health areas: fertility tests, sexual health exams, cancer markers or blood tests for intolerances and deficiencies.

It all started in 2020 with the covid-19 pandemic where there was a very high demand for diagnostic tests in general. Over time, this led to the vast majority of people who were not used to being tested before, beginning to have that need. At that time, our partners in Germany and England became the world's largest marketers of Covid-19 self-tests. Of course, that led to millions of people adopting self-testing as part of their routine and, from there, they thought it would be a very good idea to look at what other topics or fields of health we could apply the idea of ​​self-testing to and that's where they started. to work with laboratories and manufacturers around the world to develop and release a portfolio of self-tests for other diseases. Today we have 22 tests for different diseases or health fields.

For what types of diagnoses are the tests intended?

We have five main fields in health areas: fertility tests, sexual health exams, cancer markers or blood tests for intolerances and deficiencies. In that sense, we have tests for infections and even drug and alcohol tests.

What percentage of effectiveness are the tests?

We have an accuracy of over 95 percent. Therefore, the person who takes the test can be sure that the result is definitive. What is important to clarify is that these are self-care tests, it is a preventive step and in no way replaces a health professional because the tests do not make a diagnosis, they are simply a first step that tells the person if they suffer or not of the disease, or if it is positive or not for the indicator that is taken and, in this way, you can then go to your treating doctor.

Why do you point out that you are the best example?

Our mission as a global brand is to democratize access to health.

(Laughs). I had had back pain for two months, which, in general, one can naturally attribute to poor posture or having a bad night. But, I decided to do a kidney function self-test and, to my surprise, it turned out that I had a problem with my kidney. Something unthinkable for me because I had no history of that ailment. That's why I see it as a great ally for prevention. Of course, I went to my doctor and started treatment, saving me time and, without a doubt, other tests.

What does it mean that the tests they offer are rapid?

It means that from the moment the person performs it, the result comes out within 10 minutes.

You also offer rapid tests, but they must be performed by a health professional. Because?

This is because taking the sample in some cases is more complicated. For example, the professional tests we have for the detection of sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, gonorrhea or syphilis; Taking the sample requires a health professional and that, really, is the only difference. But, in delivering the result, they all work the same.

So what do rapid self-tests detect?

Just like a pregnancy test or a Covid-10 test, they are qualitative tests. That is, they determine whether or not the marker is detected in the body. So, they detect you, for example, if you are positive or not to be a carrier of a virus such as covid, malaria or dengue.

Is it as simple to take as a pregnancy test?

We work to break the mental barrier of fear of taking a test so that people understand that prevention saves them time, money and, most importantly, saves lives.

We work with the best laboratories and manufacturers in the world, which is why our portfolio already ha
s 22 tests that have the experience to help. What does this mean, that we are endorsed by world authorities to call our tests “self-tests”, which require that they be easy to do and have a very low margin of error. In addition to this, when the person purchases the test, it comes with a very simple step-by-step instruction and they can also scan a QR code in which they can see the step-by-step video of the test instructions.

What to say to a person who, precisely, does not want to be tested for fear of it being positive?

Many people are afraid of taking the test and having it come back positive. But what they do not take into account is that what they are doing is delaying detection and making the problem much worse.

That is a very big problem. In fact, our mission as a global brand, today we are in Germany, England, France, Italy and other European countries, is to democratize access to health. What we see with concern is that many people are afraid of taking the test and having a positive result. But, what they do not take into account is that by not taking it, what they are doing is delaying its detection and making the problem much worse. Thus, something that could be easily treated, probably, if not treated in time can even be fatal. Therefore, we have the mission of offering affordable prices, so that it is not a limiting factor, and fighting the mental barrier so that people understand that prevention saves them time, money and, most importantly: saves lives. It cannot be that fear of getting an adverse result is the reason for not getting tested.

In Colombia, more specifically in Bogotá, the first self-test store of its kind in the world is located. Why decide to bet on a physical store?

The decision to open a physical store had a lot to do with the need to talk to people, to patients, about the value of taking a self-diagnostic test, and that is not something you can achieve just by putting the product in a store. It should be noted that we are also found in large pharmacies such as: Farmatodo, Locatel and Cruz Verde. In addition, we will be on Rappi turbo ensuring that in 10 minutes you will be able to have the test at home. But, returning to the topic of the physical store, we saw the need to talk to people about
the importance of taking care of their health preventively with this type of products that people in general still do not know about.

How has the experience been so far?

Very good. It should be noted that anyone who comes to the store can take a free test to understand how the test works. We've been there for a little over three months and we see that people are curious, they have the same questions and doubts. But, the important thing is that at the end of the day, when they are encouraged to try the experience, they can see the value it has for their health care. I think we are creating a very valuable educational space.

What do the tests cost?

We offer trials starting at 15,000 pesos and we are even working to lower prices much more in the coming months. This is really important to democratize your access.

STEPHANY ECHAVARRÍA – INTERNATIONAL EDITOR – EL TIEMPO