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Category:
Insurance
News /
Life
Insurance /
1Lifedirect / January 2010
HIV Saliva Test
Replaces Blood Test At Direct Life Insurer
1Lifedirect, South Africa's first, truly direct life insurance
provider is shaking up the life insurance industry once again by
being the first life insurer to introduce HIV Saliva testing as part
of its life insurance underwriting.
Traditionally, the life insurance industry requests that their
applicants undergo HIV testing for underwriting purposes.
Applicants have their blood drawn at pathology laboratories, after
which the blood is sent for testing.
Results are then forwarded to the life insurer for analysis.
The process is usually painful and protracted, with many clients
choosing not to undergo the uncomfortable procedure and not take up
the cover they applied for.
As
of
25 January 2010, 1Lifedirect utilises an oral fluid swab to
ascertain a clients HIV status.
Accuracy of the oral fluid tests has been confirmed through numerous
studies across South Africa, US, Asia, Central Africa and South
America. Studies have shown accuracy comparable to the current 4th
Generation Elisa Blood Test commonly utilised by other life
insurers.
In
addition to launching the innovative oral fluid test, 1Lifedirect
will also be making the test more accessible to their clients by
allowing clients to have the test performed at Link Pharmacies
countrywide.
Clients will no longer be required to go to laboratories for a
painful test. Now the test can be performed in a couple of minutes
at a local Link Pharmacy.
Pharmacists will make use of state of the art mobile devices to
identify clients, verify policy details and capture the test
results. 1Lifedirect will receive test results immediately and
be able to confirm life insurance policies in record time.
According to 1Lifedirect's CEO Anton de Souza, "We were the first
life insurer to go direct, the first to offer on-line quotes and
sales and now, the first to offer HIV saliva testing."
"Our new mobile technology takes innovation to the next level and we
are pleased to offer this convenient and accurate solution to the
South African public."
Source: ITInews – Insurance
Times and Investments Online
www.itinews.co.za
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