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