Lia Diagnostics has launched its eco-friendly, flushable pregnancy test to consumers

After a few years of developing its flushable, biodegradable pregnancy test, Lia Diagnostics has launched the product to consumers.

The test, which is made from the same plant fibers used in most toilet papers, doesn’t contain plastic, glass or nitrocellulose, which are used in nearly all single-use tests. The 2017 RealLIST Startups honoree is founded by Bethany Edwards, who said in an announcement email this week she created the product because “you shouldn’t have to choose between privacy, accuracy or mother nature.”

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In 2017, Lia pitched its flushable product at TechCrunch Disrupt Berlin and walked away with the competition’s top prize of roughly $50,000. It also announced it had received its clearance from the Food and Drug Administration that year.

The company is backed by Dreamit, Robin Hood Ventures and Ben Franklin Technology Partners, and in 2018, confirmed the company had taken $2.6 million in venture capital from these investors plus Raleigh-based Pink Ceiling.

But Lia had been fairly quiet since — no recent public updates or social media posts from the company until this past week, with the official product launch. Now, its website allows the purchase of a two-pack for $13.99 with free shipping within the United States.

“After six years of hard work behind the scenes, my cofounder, our team and I are so thrilled that we are able to provide women with the discretion and sustainability they’ve been craving from women’s health products with the eco-friendly, biodegradable Lia pregnancy test,” Edwards said in an emailed statement. “This is the first time in 30 years that the pregnancy test has seen major innovation. We are looking forward to innovating even further in the future.”