NEW YORK (360Dx) – Pharmacy-based clinical services network eTrueNorth today announced it has reached an agreement with Southeastern Grocers to launch CLIA-waived laboratories in 253 retail pharmacies.
Southeastern Grocers stores will use the eTrueNorth ePOCT Suite, which provides software to simplify administrative processes for CLIA-waived laboratory point-of-care testing. Well-being program participants may now obtain biometric screenings at local pharmacies through the program. Southeastern Grocers brands Bi-Lo, Fresco y Mas, Harveys Supermarkets, and Winn-Dixie stores will participate in the eLabNetwork Voucher system that enables employers to gather biometric data from employees as part of well-being programs. The voucher system enables employees who work remotely or miss onsite wellness screenings to get fast, point-of-care testing at local pharmacies.
Southern Grocers operates grocery stores, liquor stores, and in-store pharmacies in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
"Given the feedback from our pilot program in Tampa and Jacksonville, we are very pleased to begin offering fingerstick testing for common wellness screenings such as lipids and glucose at all eligible pharmacies," said Gayle Shields, vice president of pharmacy services and grocery-non food at Southeastern Grocers.
The program provides customers with services for identifying their risk of chronic diseases, according to Shields.
The eTrueNorth product makes it easier for CLIA-waived labs to meet applicable federal, state, and local regulations, according to eTrueNorth President Coral May. It also provides documentation for medical professionals tracking compliance with quality control efforts for CLIA-waived diagnostic devices, she said.
Financial and other terms of the deal were not disclosed.