To simply have a DNA or Covid test, patients may need doctor’s notes, going from clinic to clinic, and paying hundreds of dollars to eventually get an answer.
Tampa entrepreneur Carlos Roldan has developed lab kits and an app that is democratizing health care testing.
His company, 24-7 Labs, which has offices and a lab in Tampa, makes testing accessible to those who desire private and affordable health care testing.
“There are so many hassles in trying to get tested. It’s very inconvenient to go through multiple doctors and clinics to order a simple test,” Roldan, CEO and founder, said regarding his motivation to launch the startup, adding how many people are uninsured and can’t afford the cost burden of visiting clinics.
“My family members have always been entrepreneurs and doctors in my home country, Colombia, and I consulted with them. I also did extensive research with AHCA [Agency for Health Care Administration] and CMS [ Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services] to make sure what I wanted to do aligned with regulations,” he said.
Prior to beginning his medical gig, Roldan was a salesman and lived in New York.
The startup does lab work for DNA tests, STDs (sexually transmitted diseases), Covid, allergies and diabetes, along with heart tests and blood work.
The Covid-19 PCR tests from 24-7 Labs started rolling out in mid-2021, authorized under the federal government to accelerate the dire need for testing during the pandemic.
However, Roldan said the STD testing has truly boosted the startup’s growth.
“For the at-home STD testing, we had to register it for federal approval as we are sending an actual medical device. It’s really proven to be a game-changer, people can skip the line at the clinic and test at home, and we provide the (initial) medication at no cost,” he said.
The kits are available for purchase directly through the website and on Amazon. Once the test is received by the lab, the individual will have a final report within two days.
For example, if someone is diagnosed with chlamydia, the patient will receive a medication consent form to indicate the pharmacy where they’d like to pick up the medication. If the person requires refills, they can create an account with 24-7 labs.
Roldan said the information is not shared with insurance providers.
He founded the company several years ago, but it wasn’t till 2018 that it started to truly take off. He is aiming to add more testing solutions for thyroid diseases and wants to work with Planned Parenthood.
The company has an office in New Port Richey, one in Temple Terrace and a third on Memorial Highway. The laboratory is based in Oldsmar.
24-7 Labs has a seven-member team, Roldan said, with over half being professional medical personnel.
Roldan is currently seeking to raise $500,000 to $1 million in a seed round that would help leverage the company into its next phase.
“I’ve been solo in this journey and have always liked the idea of having a partner to not only invest in this but to take in some of the weight and the responsibilities,” he said, stating he is also open to institutional investors.
While the business model today is business-to-consumer, Roldan said he is interested in pursuing the distribution side – wherein companies can buy his kits in bulk.
Discovered on: 2022-10-18 18:58:59
Source: Tampa startup brings medical testing to your door • St Pete Catalyst
