AI and self-testing: why a serious medical backstop is indispensable
More and more people are doing blood tests without a doctor. At Bloedwaardentest.nl, medical experts ensure reliable results and safe follow-up. Health requires real care.
In recent months I have noticed a trend that worries me. More and more people are ordering blood tests through online shops without a doctor or medical team behind them. At the same time, they are putting their questions to generic AI chatbots, who - out of caution - invariably advise, "Go to your doctor."
The result? General practitioners are overwhelmed by worried patients who don't understand their results. AI offers quick answers, but not care. It can't know a file, do a physical assessment or take responsibility. Yet these "copycats" and chatbots do give the impression that you can skip the care pathway.
At Bloedwaardentest.nl we consciously choose a different route.
- We work exclusively with ISO-certified laboratories.
- Each result is checked by medical experts.
- If there is anything abnormal that requires immediate follow-up, we call the customer first.
That medical follow-up costs time and money, but it is crucial. It not only protects the health of our customers, but also prevents unnecessary burdening of regular care.
AI can be a wonderful addition - we use it ourselves for explanation and education - but never as a replacement for a doctor-patient relationship. Health is not a consumer product and no chatbot can carry the responsibility that comes with it.
My appeal:
- To consumers: always ask who is behind a test and whether there is medical follow-up.
- To policy makers and health insurers: set clear quality criteria for commercial providers of lab research.
- To entrepreneurs in this market: take social responsibility.
Only then can we keep care accessible and reliable, and self-testing remains a valuable addition rather than an extra burden on the healthcare system.
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Ellen van Gijsel
Founder of Bloedwaardentest.nl
