Lipid Labz New Business Naples, FL

NAPLES — People call him “Dracula” because he takes their blood.

But Christopher Cummings draws blood from fingertips, not necks. He is the CEO and president of Lipid Labz, a new business in Naples that specializes in quick, convenient and low-cost health screenings all done with a prick of the finger.

“I wanted to provide a service for the community where they could get doctor-recommended health screenings that are accurate and reliable but at an affordable price,” he said.

Cummings administers 14 different types of simple, preventative tests, including diabetes checks, thyroid exams and hemogoblin screenings. Most are performed at his newly opened office in the 3800 block of Airport-Pulling Road or at various mobile locations, such as supermarkets and health fairs.

Cummings said his direct-to-consumer tests are similar to those of drugstore clinics, but with a more extensive list of screenings. His exams differ from bigger labs, such as those offered at Quest Diagnostics, because the results are immediate, taking only five minutes compared to sometimes a several-day turnaround.

“This gives people a convenient and quick option,” said Cummings, who opened his offices in August. “No waiting rooms. You’re in and out fast.”

In addition to its quick results, Lipid Labz’s screenings are inexpensive.

Cummings doesn’t take health insurance. Instead, patients pay up-front for services.

Tests cost between $10 for a diabetes exam and $50 for a blood prostate check. Glucose screenings are free.

Cummings said he wants to target people who forgo lab tests because they don’t have insurance or have coverage but face high deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses.

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CEO and president of Lipid Labz, Christopher Cummings, stands behind a table where he performs simple, preventative tests, including diabetes checks, thyroid exams and hemogoblin screenings “In these tough times, some can’t afford pricey follow-up exams,” said Cummings, who has worked in the health-screening industry for three years. “Tests could run hundreds of dollars. For some, this is the only option.”

Another advantage is that patients can easily walk in for tests without a doctor’s prescription.

“You can’t just go down the street to LabCorp and get a test,” Cummings said. “You have to have a doctor’s referral.”

According to research firm Washington G-2 Reports, a unit of publisher BNA Inc., direct-to-consumer lab tests is a small but growing part of the lab industry. In a 2009 report, the company estimated people were spending about $20 million a year for such tests, and the segment was growing at 15 percent to 20 percent annually.

Although he offers an accessible alternative to hospital and larger labs, he doesn’t recommend people come to him in lieu of a doctor.

Cummings said he can only read results and explain them to patients. He cannot diagnose or give prescriptions.

“If I see a dangerous result, I’ll immediately recommend they go to a doctor or hospital,” Cummings said. “I’m not an alternative to a physician’s care.”

Lipid Labz, a company certified by Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments, now serves more than 200 customers, performing tests on people age 2 and up.

In the future, Cummings would like to expand and add stores across the state. For now, he is concentrating on Southwest Florida and providing economically accessible tests that he thinks could save lives.

“Preventative exams could mean life or death,” Cummings said. “It’s important that everyone has access to it.”

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