At-home health tests

At-home health tests have exploded in popularity, with the home medical testing industry now valued at approximately $11 billion. These tests allow people to screen for conditions ranging from cholesterol levels to STIs to genetic predispositions — all from the comfort of home.

75 steps across 12 sections

1. DNA/Genetics Testing

  • What it tests: Ancestry, genetic health risks, carrier status, pharmacogenomics (how you metabolize drugs), traits
  • Sample type: Saliva
  • Providers: 23andMe, AncestryDNA, Nebula Genomics, Color
  • Cost: $99-$300+
  • FDA status: 23andMe has FDA authorization for certain health risk reports (e.g., BRCA1/BRCA2, Alzheimer's risk)
  • Turnaround: 3-5 weeks

2. STI Testing

  • What it tests: Chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, syphilis, hepatitis C, trichomoniasis, herpes, HPV
  • Sample type: Urine, blood (finger prick), vaginal swab
  • Providers: LetsGetChecked, Everlywell, myLAB Box, STDcheck
  • Cost: $49-$349 depending on panel
  • FDA status: LetsGetChecked's Simple 2 test is the first FDA-authorized at-home STI test (chlamydia and gonorrhea, $99)
  • Turnaround: 2-5 days

3. Cholesterol/Lipid Panel

  • What it tests: Total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides
  • Sample type: Finger prick blood
  • Providers: Everlywell, LetsGetChecked, imaware
  • Cost: $30-$75
  • FDA status: FDA-approved home cholesterol test kits are about as accurate as in-person tests when used correctly
  • Turnaround: 3-5 days

4. A1C (Diabetes Screening)

  • What it tests: Average blood sugar over 2-3 months (HbA1c)
  • Sample type: Finger prick blood
  • Providers: Everlywell, LetsGetChecked, MyDiagnostics
  • Cost: $35-$60
  • FDA status: Several FDA-cleared options available
  • Turnaround: 3-5 days

5. Food Sensitivity

  • What it tests: IgG antibody reactions to various foods
  • Sample type: Finger prick blood
  • Providers: Everlywell, 5Strands, YorkTest
  • Cost: $99-$299
  • FDA status: NOT FDA-approved; IgG food sensitivity tests are controversial — many allergists and the AAAI do not endorse them
  • Turnaround: 5-7 days

6. Hormone Testing

  • What it tests: Thyroid (TSH, T3, T4), testosterone, estrogen, cortisol, DHEA, progesterone
  • Sample type: Finger prick blood or saliva
  • Providers: Everlywell, LetsGetChecked, Paloma Health (thyroid-specific)
  • Cost: $49-$199
  • FDA status: Lab-developed tests processed at CLIA-certified labs (not individually FDA-cleared in most cases)
  • Turnaround: 3-5 days

7. COVID-19 / Respiratory

  • What it tests: Active SARS-CoV-2 infection (rapid antigen or PCR)
  • Sample type: Nasal swab
  • Providers: BinaxNOW, iHealth, Lucira, Cue
  • Cost: $8-$30 per test (some free via government programs)
  • FDA status: Multiple FDA Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) granted
  • Turnaround: 15 minutes (rapid) to 1-2 days (PCR mail-in)

8. Other Available Tests

  • Thyroid — TSH, Free T3, Free T4
  • Vitamin deficiency — Vitamin D, B12, iron/ferritin
  • Kidney function — creatinine, eGFR
  • Liver function — ALT, AST
  • Inflammation — hsCRP
  • Colon cancer screening — Cologuard (FIT-DNA, FDA-approved, requires prescription)
  • Fertility — AMH, FSH, sperm analysis

9. Everlywell

  • Tests offered: 35+ tests including STIs, cholesterol, A1C, hormones, food sensitivity, thyroid, vitamins
  • How it works: Order online, collect sample at home, mail to CLIA-certified lab, get results on app/website
  • Cost: $49-$299 per test
  • Insurance: Some tests covered by HSA/FSA; direct insurance billing not typically available
  • Physician review: Results reviewed by a physician in your state; telehealth follow-up available
  • Pros: Wide test selection, user-friendly app, physician-reviewed results
  • Cons: Food sensitivity tests are scientifically controversial; some tests cheaper through primary care

10. LetsGetChecked

  • Tests offered: 30+ tests including the FDA-authorized Simple 2 STI test, cholesterol, hormones, vitamins, liver, kidney
  • How it works: Order online, collect sample, prepaid shipping to lab, results in 2-5 days
  • Cost: $49-$349 per test
  • Unique feature: 24/7 nurse support — nurses call you to discuss results and advise on next steps
  • Pros: FDA-authorized STI test, nurse consultations included, discreet packaging
  • Cons: Premium pricing compared to some competitors

11. 23andMe

  • Tests offered: Ancestry, genetic health risks, carrier status, traits, pharmacogenomics
  • How it works: Saliva sample mailed to lab, results in 3-5 weeks
  • Cost: $99 (ancestry only) to $299+ (health + ancestry)
  • FDA status: FDA-authorized for specific genetic health risk reports
  • Pros: Largest genetic database for ancestry matching, FDA-authorized health reports
  • Cons: Company filed for bankruptcy protection in 2024 — data privacy concerns; genetic results require genetic counselor for proper interpretation

12. Other Notable Providers

  • myLAB Box — STI testing specialist
  • Paloma Health — Thyroid-specific testing and care
  • imaware — Celiac, autoimmune, cardiovascular panels
  • Color — Genetic testing for hereditary cancer and heart conditions
  • Function Health — Comprehensive blood biomarker platform with broad wellness panels (100+ markers)
  • Jinfiniti — AgingSOS Ultimate Panel focused on aging and longevity biomarkers
  • BodySpec — Gut microbiome and body composition testing

Common Mistakes

  • Treating at-home tests as diagnostic
  • Not following collection instructions
  • Ordering food sensitivity tests expecting allergy answers
  • Making major health decisions
  • Not fasting when required

Pro Tips

  • Check if your insurance covers the same test
  • Use HSA/FSA funds
  • Buy during sales
  • Bundle tests
  • Test in the morning

Sources

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