Unlike Zika tests, it is extremely rare for patients in the trials I design to have any alternatives. Also unlike Zika, the standard of care in the diseases I work on yields less than 25% 5-year survival.

Not birth defects (horrific though they may be) but death from organ failure and infection. Nearly all of the compounds are known or potential teratogens. No alternative sources for most of the drugs. Still need an IRB.

You say, "oh it's just a finger stick!" To which I must say, have you looked at the number of physicians and nurses who got Hep C or HIV from an errant finger stick in the hospital?!