Qvin

Qvin operates in the femtech and diagnostic equipment sectors, offering a novel approach to health monitoring for women. Founded in 2014 by Dr. Sara Naseri and Søren Therkelsen, the company is built on the principle that menstrual blood is a valuable and underutilized source for diagnostic testing. Dr. Naseri, who serves as CEO, was inspired during medical school to find a non-invasive way for people to track their health regularly. This led to her research at institutions like Stanford University, where she scientifically validated the clinical relevance of menstrual blood, previously considered biological waste. COO Søren Therkelsen brings operational experience as a serial entrepreneur.

The company's core product is the Q-Pad™, the first and only FDA-cleared menstrual pad for diagnostic testing. This technology provides a non-invasive alternative to traditional venous blood draws for monitoring key health biomarkers. The Q-Pad is designed as a sanitary pad with a removable strip that collects a menstrual sample. After use, the individual sends this collection strip to a CLIA-certified laboratory for analysis. Users then receive their results through a secure mobile application, which provides actionable insights into their health.

Qvin's business model targets the millions of people who menstruate, offering them a convenient method for proactive health screening from home. Initially, the Q-Pad received FDA clearance for the A1c test, which measures average blood sugar levels over three months and is crucial for monitoring diabetes and pre-diabetes. The company's research, some in collaboration with Stanford University School of Medicine, has shown strong correlations between menstrual and venous blood for various biomarkers. This enables the Q-Pad to be used for screening a range of conditions, including thyroid health, anemia, fertility, and perimenopause. The technology is also being explored for its potential in detecting high-risk HPV, a key factor in cervical cancer prevention. By eliminating the barriers of cost, time, and the invasive nature of traditional blood tests, Qvin aims to close the gender data gap in medical research and make healthcare more accessible.

Keywords: femtech, diagnostics, menstrual blood testing, at-home health monitoring, women's health, medical device, non-invasive diagnostics, preventative healthcare, A1c testing, biomarker tracking