Laboratory Testing and Risk Classification

Abstract

Historically, insurers in North America have been collecting and analyzing urine specimens form proposed insureds since the early 1900s. In this manner, they identified unknown or unreported diabetes and renal diseases — thereby allowing the more accurate classification of risk. Much later, blood testing was added to identify earlier stages of glucose intolerance, liver disease, renal disease, antibodies to HIV, and lipid abnormalities. More recently, oral fluid testing was developed to test for HIV antibodies, cocaine, and cotinine. As insurance policy design has evolved with different premium rates for tobacco and non-tobacco users and preferred risk categories, laboratory testing has assumed a greater role in the classification of risk.