Well yesterday (June 22) announced a partnership with rapid test supplier 2San that will see the multiple launch 11 “self-diagnostic tests” across 492 of its 750 stores from Monday (June 26).
It said that the launch will “enable more people across the UK to have access to affordable and accurate in vitro diagnostic tests, supported by expert pharmacists”.
Read more: Seven-pharmacy divestment mooted amid Well/Lexon competition concerns
The at-home tests will also be available online with express 24-hour delivery options and will be “competitively priced”, starting at £8.99, it added.
They will target “common health concerns from urinary tract infections to iron deficiency, enabling earlier diagnosis and supporting pharmacists' new role in frontline care delivery”, the multiple said.
“Supported by pharmacists”
Deputy superintendent pharmacist at Well George Sandhu said that the multiple is “delighted to be working with 2San and to be able to begin stocking these tests, which will help people take control of their health and seek help and support if needed”.
“Early detection in many conditions is key and we are working closely with 2San and our pharmacists to ensure support and guidance is given to customers who use these tests to detect certain conditions,” he added.
Read more: Well Pharmacy reveals it has taken on ‘a number of’ ex-Lloydspharmacy staff
Neil Ashworth, non-executive chair at 2San, said that the company is “committed to offering affordable, high-quality, targeted testing for common conditions supported by pharmacists”.
“We understand that although there are public health benefits to increasing access to low-cost diagnostics, such as early detection and better disease management, support and onward care are needed by expert healthcare professionals”, he added.
Full testing range
The full range will include:
Health and wellness tests
- 2San Bowel Health Test (Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)) (1pk)
- 2San Hypothyroidism Test (Underactive Thyroid) (1pk)
- 2San Vitamin D Deficiency Test (1pk)
- 2San Iron Deficiency Test (Ferritin) (1pk)
- 2San Stomach Ulcer Test (H.pylori) Test (1pk)
- 2San Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Test for menopause (2pk)
Infection tests
- 2San Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Test (1pk)
- 2San Bacterial Vaginosis Test (Vaginal pH) (1pk)
- Strep A Self Test (1pk)
- 2San Dual Covid and Flu Test
Fertility Tests
- 2San Male Fertility (Sperm Concentration Test) (1pk)
Drugs of Abuse tests
- 2San Drugs of Abuse Test (1pk)
It comes as the competition watchdog has said that it is considering the proposed divestment of seven pharmacy stores as part of its investigation into Well parent company Bestway’s merger with Lexon UK.
And C+D revealed last week (June 14) that Well Pharmacy has given “a number of” former Sainsbury’s Lloydspharmacy workers new jobs, after being among a group of multiples that pledged to help them find new roles in January.
Read more: Digital health check app launches in four UK pharmacy chains
Meanwhile, a digital health platform providing diagnostic health checks via an app last month announced its launch in four UK pharmacy chains.
It has partnered with Knights Pharmacy Group, Weldricks Pharmacy Group, Greenlight Pharmacy Group and Lincolnshire Co-op Pharmacy, in addition to Dears Pharmacy in Scotland.