Lower-cost family testing through a new pooling model

During the pandemic, regular individual testing created considerable costs, particularly for families with several members. At the same time, public testing programmes were already using pooling methods in which several samples were initially analysed together. The fundamental pooling principle was therefore already established and was not developed by Hosang Consulting.

The new approach was to adapt this principle specifically for families and private households. Instead of analysing every member of a household individually from the beginning, the family would first provide one shared pooled saliva sample. At the same time, an individual retained sample would be secured for each family member.

The planned process was: family members provide saliva together in one sample tube, and a separate retained sample is secured for every family member. Only the shared family sample is analysed initially. If it is negative, no additional laboratory analyses are required; if it is positive, the individual retained samples are analysed to identify which family member tested positive. For a family with a negative pooled result, one laboratory analysis could therefore have replaced several individual analyses.

Hosang Consulting did not invent the pooling method itself. The independent proposal was to develop the existing method into a lower-cost service designed specifically for entire families. The innovation was the combination of one shared family sample, individual retained samples, a staged laboratory analysis, a family-oriented service process and a significantly more affordable pricing model.

The model was intended not only to function technically, but also to create a concrete social benefit: families should have access to affordable testing without immediately paying for a complete individual analysis for every family member. Hosang Consulting worked as part of an interdisciplinary team involving several organisations, external companies and potential implementation partners.

The contribution included proposing a dedicated testing service for families, adapting the established pooling principle for private households, structuring the process from sample collection to result delivery, developing the staged analysis logic, considering the pricing model, assessing commercial viability, holding discussions with potential laboratory partners, public health authorities and regional decision-makers, and preparing a concrete service proposal. Hosang Consulting was not solely responsible for the overall initiative.

The family pooling model was developed to an advanced level within the team from a process, service and commercial perspective. Discussions took place with potential laboratory partners, external companies, public health authorities and regional decision-makers. A concrete proposal was prepared for submission. Implementation, however, depended on the binding participation of a qualified laboratory partner.

Shortly before the planned submission, the intended laboratory partner withdrew unexpectedly. Without a laboratory capable of analysing both the pooled family samples and, when required, the individual retained samples, the model could not be implemented. The proposal was therefore not submitted.

The family pooling model was not tested in practice and was not introduced to the market. This case is therefore not a conventional success story. It does, however, demonstrate an independent and socially oriented innovation: adapting an established pooling method for families in order to make testing more affordable for a broader part of the population.