Babson Fingertip Blood Tests Now Include GLP-1 Monitoring

Babson Diagnostics has revolutionized blood testing with its BetterWay platform, and now Babson fingertip blood tests include GLP-1 monitoring. This new panel makes it easier for patients using GLP-1 medications—such as semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) or tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound)—to track essential health markers alongside their prescriptions. In a single pharmacy visit, users can address both medication needs and diagnostic monitoring, boosting adherence and outcomes in weight management and metabolic health.

Babson's Journey: From Startup to Medtech Leader

In 2015, David Stein and Eric Olson founded Babson Diagnostics in partnership with Siemens, which provided licensing exclusivity, cash investment, and exclusive agreements. This collaboration birthed a new era in diagnostics. Fast-forward to 2024, when MD+DI named Babson its Medtech Company of the Year. The accolades didn't stop there.

"It's been a very big year for us since being announced the Medtech COTY. We are very proud of this recognition. We did win quite a number of additional awards. The following year, we won the SXSW innovation award for Health and Biotech. We were named by Fast Company as one of the most innovative companies in healthcare. We also expanded our technology significantly and grew our test menu to 68 tests, adding 13 tests throughout the year, as well as launching a GLP-1 test panel. So people using GLP-1s can get their diagnostic tests and meds in the same places at the same time," Olson, Babson co-founder and COO, told MD+DI.

Babson's growth reflects a commitment to preventive care and chronic disease management, key areas where GLP-1 therapies shine for diabetes control and weight loss.

Why GLP-1 Monitoring Matters

GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic the glucagon-like peptide-1 hormone to regulate blood sugar, slow gastric emptying, and promote satiety. While effective, they require regular monitoring for metabolic changes, including hemoglobin A1C for glycemic control, lipid profiles for cardiovascular risk, comprehensive metabolic panels (CMP) for kidney and liver function, and TSH for thyroid health. Poor adherence to testing can lead to undetected issues like dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, or rare risks such as pancreatitis. Babson's GLP-1 panel addresses this by consolidating 29 tests into one convenient process.

The BetterWay Technology: No Needles, Just Fingertips

BetterWay eliminates traditional phlebotomy hassles—no phlebotomists, needles, or vials required. Using a pea-sized microsample from a fingertip, it delivers accurate results across 68 tests covering heart health, liver function, proteins, nutrition markers, and more. Prices start as low as $15, with the GLP-1 panel at less than $100—specifically $98 when ordered online.

"The patient experience starts at betterway.com, and people using GLP-1s can order the GLP-1 test panel online for $98, or their doctor can order it for them. These tests are available throughout our retail network. That means that when a patient goes into their local pharmacy, in one visit, they can pick up their GLP-1 prescription and also get a blood test from their fingertip," Olson said.

"We offer a broad panel of tests that is used for both the initial assessment and for ongoing monitoring for GLP-1s, including hemoglobin A1C, lipids, comprehensive metabolic panels, and TSH. What it does is it consolidates it into one trip for patients, not two, and it synchronizes the monitoring together with the medication. The fingertip-based collection is also something that improves the patient experience, and makes it less likely that the patient is going to skip their testing they should be getting."

Comparing Fingertip Testing to Traditional Methods

• Convenience: Pharmacy-based vs. lab appointments.
• Sample Size: Pea-sized drop vs. multiple vials.
• Accuracy: Validated as clinical equivalents per peer-reviewed studies.
• Cost: Affordable panels vs. higher venipuncture fees.

This approach suits busy patients on GLP-1 therapy, where consistent monitoring is crucial for adjusting dosages or spotting side effects like gastrointestinal issues or muscle loss.

Benefits for Patients, Clinicians, and Retailers

The GLP-1 panel benefits all stakeholders. Patients enjoy one-stop care; clinicians gain better compliance data; retailers evolve into healthcare hubs.

"Clinicians like it because they are concerned that patients won't comply with the monitoring side of being on this type of therapy, which adds risk. Anything that makes blood testing more seamless for their patients will increase adherence. That will also reduce the risk of being on the medication," Olson noted.

"It is beneficial for the retailers as well because they are looking to become healthcare hubs. If they can offer both the testing and the medication, they are more likely to become a medical destination for customers. The patient demand is also strong. The recent FDA approval of oral Wegovy changes things, as it will broaden the appeal for consumers, and it will continue to increase the incredible adoption of GLP-1s. We, and the patients, think it's important to not just monitor their health while they are on treatments, but to do so in a way that does not interfere with day-to-day life."

Practical Guidance for GLP-1 Users

Consult your doctor before starting GLP-1 therapy to baseline your labs. Order the Babson GLP-1 panel online at betterway.com or via your provider/pharmacy. Schedule tests every 3-6 months or as recommended. Pair with apps like Shotlee for logging symptoms, side effects, or medication adherence between tests to provide a fuller picture for your healthcare team.

Common side effects to monitor include nausea, vomiting, and fatigue—early detection via CMP and lipids can prevent complications.

Scientific Validation in a Post-Theranos Era

Babson prioritizes transparency with over 50 clinical studies validating its ecosystem. A landmark JALM publication confirmed clinical equivalence to traditional methods.

"We have always pursued the approach of doing full end-to-end validations of our technology. We have run more than 50 clinical studies, and those support the validation of our collection devices, our sample preparation devices, our lab methods, and also of the complete end-to-end ecosystem. We have always shared that data with our partners to make sure they understand the validity of what we are doing. One thing that changed in 2025 was we were able to get peer-reviewed publications publishing that information. Being able to get that out in JALM was a big step for us because it was a third-party review of the credibility of what we have done here," Olson said.

Recent publications also cover unique devices like the sample prep device and hand warmer for capillary collection.

New Leadership and Market Expansion

New CEO Web Golinkin, with 35 years leading firms like RediClinic and FastMed, drives commercial rollout. Babson targets annual wellness and chronic conditions like diabetes, cholesterol, liver, and kidney disease.

"We are already serving many markets. The two biggest markets we serve are annual wellness and preventative medicine, so the blood tests you get during a typical annual visit to your doctor. Those are all part of our menu, and by making them more convenient, we see more likelihood that your doctor will have test results ready during the time of your annual visit," Olson said.

Key Takeaways: What This Means for GLP-1 Patients

• Babson's 68-test menu, including the $98 GLP-1 panel with 29 markers (A1C, lipids, CMP, TSH), syncs testing with pharmacy med pickups.
• Fingertip collection boosts adherence, reducing therapy risks.
• Clinically validated with 50+ studies and JALM publication.
• Ideal for weight loss journeys, diabetes management, and preventive health.
• New CEO Golinkin accelerates retail partnerships.

Conclusion: A Better Way Forward

As Babson Diagnostics expands, its GLP-1 monitoring via fingertip blood tests proves convenient diagnostics can match accuracy. For millions skipping routine tests due to inconvenience or cost, BetterWay offers accessible preventive care and chronic management. Discuss with your provider how this fits your GLP-1 regimen today.