ABT · Earnings call · 2026Q3T · Full report

Cancer Testing Pricing and Adoption

ABBOTT LABORATORIES · 2026-10-21 · Importance 17 · Surprise 24

Management said blood-based cancer tests are currently priced at levels that limit broad uptake, even if they can produce strong growth rates from a small market base. It argued that much broader adoption would be needed for these tests to become standard of care and have a meaningful impact on cancer detection and survival. Abbott is discussing the issue with payers and considering how to assemble a broader portfolio of cancer diagnostic solutions for those who pay for testing.

Key facts

• Abbott planned to report data on its minimal residual disease test at ESMO.
• Abbott said the CRC blood test has a different margin profile because it is working with a partner, and that it factored this into its deal model and forward plans.
• Abbott said broad adoption of cancer blood testing would be difficult at current market pricing and that it is considering pricing with payers as it builds a cancer diagnostic portfolio.
• Abbott said the CRC blood test may encourage people who are not being screened to begin testing, but cautioned that consumer information about accuracy and deficiencies must be complete and transparent.
• Abbott’s cancer diagnostics sales grew 14%, driven by Cologuard and contributions from precision oncology and international businesses.
• Abbott expects to enter new personalized diagnostic tests through its cancer diagnostics business.
• Abbott said the blood test's detection of precancerous lesions is currently not as good as Cologuard's.
• Abbott declined to disclose the price of its blood test for competitive reasons.