Biden visits Theranos lab as part of healthcare innovation summit

High-valued biotech start-up Theranos amped up its association with high-ranking government officials Thursday as Vice President Joe Biden joined a select group of healthcare industry leaders at the company's lab in Newark, Calif. Theranos was started a decade ago by Elizabeth Holmes, who envisioned a new blood-testing process that requires less blood (drops compared to vials) at lower costs (fertility panels run $35, cholesterol checks for $3). The company recently won Food and Drug Administration approval for its lab work as well as its test for the herpes virus. Theranos also helped push an Arizona bill into law on July 3 that allows patients to order blood tests without doctor approval.