THE ROLE OF AT-HOME CONSUMER DIAGNOSTICS INCREASES Saliva-based home pregnancy test arrives at Australian pharmacies
With
Dr Anita Sharma, GP
Platinum Medical Centre,
Brisbane
Michael Cima, CEO & Director
CC Supplies,
Byron Bay
SEGMENT
Filmed in Brisbane | March 2026
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, consumer diagnostics have rapidly advanced, with more people becoming aware of and comfortable using at-home testing. These tests provide greater convenience, control, and empowerment, allowing individuals to monitor their health without immediately consulting a healthcare professional. Recently, this shift has been particularly impactful in areas such as pregnancy testing, where saliva-based diagnostics now enable earlier and more accessible detection.
According to Dr Anita Sharma, a Brisbane based GP at Platinum Medical Centre, traditional medical testing still plays an important role. Situations such as unclear symptoms, early-stage conditions with low detectable markers, or practical limitations—like insufficient saliva samples—may require confirmation through standard clinical methods. Additionally, many patients seek reassurance from healthcare professionals even after receiving positive at-home results, particularly when further care planning is needed.
As a result, the role of healthcare practitioners is evolving, according to Dr Sharma. Rather than acting solely as gatekeepers to testing, they are increasingly becoming interpreters and validators of patient-led diagnostics. According to Dr Sharma, GPs now focus more on guiding care, confirming results, and supporting patient decisions. To do this effectively, Dr Sharma states GPs must stay informed through continuous education, engagement with peers, and awareness of emerging diagnostic technologies and trends in healthcare.
Australian Health Journal also spoke with Michael Cima, CEO and Director of CC Supplies about the accessibility of consumer diagnostics and where women are able to choose how to test, have improved access and opt for privacy.
Source: Adapted from transcript
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Thyroid health into pregnancy
‘Without an adequate amount of thyroid hormone mothers can be exposed to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including gestational hypertension and preeclampsia or eclampsia, which affect around 10% of pregnant women and are the leading causes of maternal and neonatal mortality worldwide. Mothers who suffer from hypertensive disorders during pregnancy are at increased risk of long-term cardiovascular consequences and hypertensive disorders in subsequent pregnancies. Evidence also indicates a risk of reduced cognitive ability to their offspring.
‘Knowing if you are genetically predisposed to Hashimoto’s or Graves’ Diseases, which are both thyroid autoimmune disorders is important to be aware of, to ensure all appropriate tests are ordered. Autoimmune disorders may predispose mothers to a thyroid problem during pregnancy’, says Professor Creswell Eastman, who also serves as the ATF’s Principal Medical Advisor.
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Health Minister appoints Chair to National One Stop Shop Program
The Australian Government has appointed Emeritus Professor Ian Chubb AC, FAA FTSE to lead key reforms as Chair of the Inter-Governmental Policy Reform Group (IGPRG) for health and medical research, including clinical trials.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, The Hon Mark Butler MP commenting on the selection and appointment said, “Professor Chubb has dedicated his career to improving health and medical research and education in this county and I am pleased he has agreed to share his knowledge and experience through the IGPRG.”
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