Based on the new clinical recommendations, my 10.86 ng/mL level puts me at elevated risk for preeclampsia (if I were a women/pregnant). Knowing that could mean my BP during pregnancy is more closely monitored, with a BP cuff for example.
Does it though? What will a pregnant woman do based on her results? Will having PFAS affect someone’s decision about becoming pregnant?
Pregnant women are going to monitor BP anyway. And the intervention is $100 for a BP cuff so that’s cheaper than the test. So we’re better off just recommending monitoring BP more closely than this test.
The value we provide: If people want to know, they can now know.
I also think not making the test accessible also has downsides.
What I mean is what would justify someone spending $400. The example of pregnancy is not a good one, as someone is better off just monitoring blood pressure (which is already common advice for all expectant mothers) for $100 instead of paying for this test.
I think value based healthcare is more important when people pay themselves.
Since there’s no intervention based on the results, it’s not a good idea for people until the results are actionable.