LabCorp review: Reporting to FDA, FTC

I received Labcorp OnDemand marketing about blood type and health that stated people with blood types A, B, or AB have an “over 50%” higher risk of blood clotting and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

The problem is not that there is no association between ABO blood type and clotting risk. The problem is how Labcorp presents the statistic to consumers.

The message gives a large relative-risk number without providing the corresponding absolute risk or adequately explaining what the “over 50%” figure actually means. Immediately afterward, Labcorp says:

“Curious about your blood type? Go test yourself!”

and directs consumers to its paid Blood Type Test.

That combination concerns me. A major clinical laboratory is using its medical authority to present an alarming disease-risk statistic and then directing consumers toward a paid test.

If you're considering buying one of these tests, don't assume that a statement such as “50% higher risk” means you have anything remotely approaching a 50% chance of developing a blood clot. Relative risk and absolute risk are very different things.

I have filed a formal complaint with Labcorp requesting that it identify the scientific study supporting its specific “over 50%” claim, explain why the absolute risk was not provided, and explain why this risk information was presented in connection with the sale of its blood-type test.

I'm posting this so other consumers are aware of the way this marketing is presented and can evaluate the information for themselves.

Further, I am documenting this incident and submitting formal complaints detailing these predatory marketing practices to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA Center for Devices and Radiological Health), the Texas Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division, and the BBB National Advertising Division (NAD), as well as other agencies that regulate them.