Dr Now is launching a new offering to provide patients with a range of self-test “tumor marker” kits to help diagnose ovarian cancer and assess the severity of potential future heart failure.

Said kits allow patients to administer a blood test themselves, simply by pricking their finger and providing a small blood sample. Results are then returned to the patient within 24 hours of the sample being received by the Dr Now lab.

Currently in a “soft launch” phase, the Dr Now platform will be fully launched in October 2015.Tumor markers are produced by cells in response to cancer or certain benign conditions. They are produced at higher levels in cancerous conditions than normal, which makes them detectable through a blood test.

The NT-Pro (BNP) test helps to diagnose and assess the severity of a potential heart failure, and can be effective up to 15 years before the heart fails. On the other hand, the CA125 test is used to diagnose ovarian cancer, while the related HE4 test considers the risk factor of malignancy.

These new tests cement the Dr Now’s status as an industry-changing health solution, complementing the current diagnosis and medication delivery service offered to patients directly from an app-based video consultation with an MRCGP-certified GP.

Currently in a “soft launch” phase, the Dr Now platform will be fully launched in October 2015. The Dr Now app is now available to download for iOS and Android devices from the App Store and Google Play.