The Best At-Home Blood Tests Compared
Everlywell
Self-collection
- Food sensitivity and allergies
- Celiac disease
- Cholesterol and lipids
- Blood sugar levels
- Vitamin D and inflammation
- Indoor allergies
Within a few business days of sample receipt
No
Anyone seeking a test related to their nutritional health, food sensitivity, or allergy levels
Let's Get Checked
Self-collection
- Hormone levels
- STDs
- General wellness
Within 2 to 5 days of sample receipt
Varies
Someone seeking a hormone, STD, or wellness blood test they can self-administer at home
myLAB Box
Self-collection
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Cervical cancer
- Urinary tract infection
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
Within 3 to 5 days of sample receipt
Varies
Any adult who's sexually active and wants to screen for an STD
About At-Home Blood Tests
Purpose of at-home blood tests
The purpose of at-home blood testing is to check for many common conditions, such as diabetes, viral and bacterial infections, anemia, and some types of cancer. These tests can help you and your medical provider monitor your overall health, as blood tests are widely used as part of an overall preventative health screening strategy.
What do the tests measure?
At-home blood tests can be used for a variety of reasons. For example, you can do a Complete Blood Count (CBC) test, or you might want to do a broad-spectrum blood test that’s geared towards men and includes total testosterone, vitamin D, and cholesterol. Other examples of blood tests include Hemoglobin A1C ZRT, a rheumatoid arthritis test, or blood tests that check various biomarkers linked to cardiovascular health.
How do at-home blood tests work?
If you’ve ever seen someone with diabetes do a fingerprick to check their blood sugar, then you have a good idea of how at-home blood tests work. Many types of blood tests only require a couple of drops of blood, making it possible to collect your own samples at home.
When you order an at-home blood test, you’ll usually be sent a kit that contains everything you need to get your blood sample, and to ship back your specimen so that it remains safe and sterile. You’ll get a lancet to take the blood, and some sort of strip or small container to collect the blood drops.
All blood tests might have different specifications or directions, so be sure to follow instructions carefully. For example, you may have to fast for some, or send back the sample ASAP.
Once the provider receives your sample, your blood will be tested and you’ll receive some type of report either online, via app, or in the mail.
Which at-home blood test should you choose?
The blood tests we selected are just as effective as the tests you’d do in-person at a medical clinic, lab or hospital. All these home test kits come complete with everything you need, including a comprehensive step-by-step guide to ensure your sample is collected correctly.
As long as you follow the instructions that come with your kit, you can expect the same results you’d get if you did the same test in a traditional setting since these tests are processed in CLIA-certified medical labs.
Benefits and Downsides of At-Home Blood Tests
At-home blood testing is different from being tested for by a medical professional. Benefits of at-home testing include:
- Convenient: At-home blood testing eliminates all those office and lab visits,
- User-friendly: Test kits are designed to simplify the testing process, often providing detailed instructions and pre-paid labels to mail samples to a laboratory. giving you the ability to order your own tests, with results delivered to you in as little as a few days.
- Upfront pricing: Testing companies often provide clear pricing for at-home blood tests. There are usually no unexpected fees for at-home tests.
Downsides of at-home testing include:
- User error: You could also contaminate the sample if you don’t follow the directions exactly. Or, if you have calloused fingers, it could impact your ability to get a sample.
- Testing options may be limited: Not all blood tests work with just a fingerprick amount of blood.
- Not good for kids: Many at-home blood tests are for adults only.
The Best At-Home Blood Tests
To compile our list of the best at-home blood tests, we carefully researched dozens of companies and tests to find the best combination of cost, turn-around time, and ease of use.
Methodology
At-home blood tests were reviewed based on value, convenience, and availability of tests. We also considered the services available, certifications and lab safety, and professional support. These overall factors are based on data including price, insurance acceptance, comprehensiveness of tests, and how quickly you can get results and speak to a doctor. Blood test selections have been screened by Testing.com’s Medical Review Board.
Everlywell
Self-collection
Blood
Within a few business days of sample receipt
- Food sensitivity and allergies
- Celiac disease
- Cholesterol and lipids
- Blood sugar levels
- Vitamin D and inflammation
- Indoor allergies
Samples processed in CLIA-certified laboratories
No
Yes
Yes
If you're seeking a blood test for nutritional health, Everlywell offers a wide range of options. These include a food sensitivity test that checks for immunoglobulin G (IgG) reactivity to 96 different foods. You can upgrade to a more comprehensive test that checks for IgG reactivity to more than 200 different foods. Alternatively, Everlywell's food allergy test checks for immunoglobulin E reactivity to almond, cow's milk, egg whites and yolks, peanuts, shrimp, tuna, soy, and wheat. All three tests are self-administered using the finger prick method.
Additional nutritional health tests check for celiac disease, cholesterol and lipids, blood sugar levels, vitamin D and inflammation, heart health, and indoor allergies. You can also purchase various dietary supplements from Everlywell, including vitamins B12, D3, and B6, omega-3 fish oil, and multivitamin gummies. Prescriptions are not required for any of these supplements.
All test samples are sent to CLIA-certified labs for analysis. Shipping both ways is built into the cost of your test, so you won't need to pay additional charges. Everlywell practices discreet shipping to safeguard your personal information when the tests are shipped. You should receive your results within a few days of the sample receipt.
Although many of the tests are expensive, you can save 15% on your purchase by signing up for a subscription. Everlywell blood tests can be purchased through your HSA or FSA, but most insurance providers won't cover the charges. Due to regulatory restrictions, the tests are not available to shoppers in New York state.
WHAT’S GREAT?
- Tests can be administered at home without a lab visit
- Follow-up physician consultations and prescriptions available
- Discreet packaging ensures anonymity during the shipping process
WHAT’S NOT SO GREAT?
- Insurance not accepted as payment
- Some tests exceed $200 in price
- Not available in some states
Why is the Everlywell at-home blood test best for nutritional health?
Everlywell's blood tests cover a wide range of nutritional health concerns, such as food sensitivities and allergies, vitamin deficiencies, heart health, and cholesterol and lipid levels.
Who should use Everlywell's at-home blood test?
You're a good candidate for Everlywell if you'd like to test for conditions and deficiencies related to diet and nutrition.
Let's Get Checked
Self-collection
Blood
Within 2 to 5 days of sample receipt
- Hormone levels
- STDs
- General wellness
Samples processed in CLIA-certified labs
Varies
Varies
Varies
Let's Get Checked offers a wide range of at-home tests, many of which collect blood samples via the finger prick method. Blood tests for men include three sets of male hormone tests and a testosterone test. Women can order blood tests for female hormone, polycystic ovary syndrome, ovarian reserve, and progesterone.
The company's STD blood tests include a "simple 2" test for chlamydia and gonorrhea, a "standard 5" that adds HIV, syphilis, and trichomoniasis, and a "complete 8" that adds gardnerella, mycoplasma, and ureaplasma. Let's Get Checked also provides blood tests for the following:
- Cortisol
- High-sensitivity C-reactive protein
- Diabetes
- Diabetes and heart
- Kidney
- Essential vitamin
- Lyme disease
- Cholesterol
- Micronutrient
- Thyroid
- Thyroid antibody
Costs range from $89 to $249. Subscribers save 30% on their up-front costs. You should receive results within five business days. Some tests also include follow-up consultations with healthcare providers. All tests are backed by state-of-the-art encryption software to ensure privacy and confidentiality. You can use an FSA or HSA to purchase the tests, but health insurance is not accepted as a form of payment.
WHAT’S GREAT?
- Self-collection at home without lab visit
- Results are usually delivered in less than a week
- Follow-up consultations available with certain tests
WHAT’S NOT SO GREAT?
- Insurance not accepted for payment
- Prices can be expensive for select tests
- Promotional codes not permitted for subscription purchases
Why are Let's Get Checked at-home blood tests best overall?
Let's Get Checked offers a full suite of blood tests you can self-administer at home. The company delivers speedy results, and follow-up consultations are available with certain tests.
Who should use Let's Get Checked blood tests?
Anyone who would like to test for hormone levels, sexual health, or general wellness.
myLAB Box
Self-collection
Blood, urine, or vaginal swab
Within 3 to 5 days of sample receipt
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Cervical cancer
- Urinary tract infection
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
Samples are sent to CAP-certified and CLIA-certified labs
Varies
Varies
Yes
myLAB Box is a leading provider of blood tests for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). A standard five-panel test checks for chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and HIV I and II. You can upgrade to an eight-panel test that checks for these five diseases as well as hepatitis C, herpes simplex 2, and syphilis. The full 14-panel test adds throat and rectal gonorrhea and chlamydia, mycoplasma genitalium, and HPV for women 30 and older.
Tests for all of these STDs can be ordered individually. You can also request tests for abnormal vaginal discharge, cervical cancer, and urinary tract infection. Those planning to protect themselves from HIV may order a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) kit. Additionally, the "Boomer Box" is a test kit specifically intended for people of older generations.
All samples are sent to CAP- and CLIA-certified labs. If you test positive, you can arrange for a prescription at your local pharmacy. Your results are not reported to your insurance company.
Subscribers receive a discount on their purchase. Shipping is free for customers in the United States. Expedited and overnight shipping is available for an additional charge. myLAB Box takes measures to ensure your shipment is discreet and does not display any information that compromises your privacy or confidentiality.
WHAT’S GREAT?
- Full suite of STD tests including five-, eight-, and 14-panel options
- Tests can be self-administered at home
- Discreet shipping practices ensure anonymity and confidentiality for customers
WHAT’S NOT SO GREAT?
- Some tests are quite expensive
- Customers cannot use health insurance to purchase tests
- Tests not available in certain states
Why is myLAB Box's at-home blood test best for STD testing?
myLAB Box offers a wide range of tests focused on sexually transmitted diseases and sexual health. These include comprehensive five-panel, eight-panel, and 14-panel tests, as well as kits for couples and older adults.
Who should use myLAB Box's at-home blood test?
Sexually active adults who want to safeguard their physical health should consider an STD test from myLAB Box.
Interpreting At-Home Test Results
Generally, results from at-home blood testing show various levels. Because the blood comes from blood vessels in your extremities, the tests are not invasive, but still adequate for getting usable blood samples.
Labs then process the samples and offer a detailed report to help you decide if follow up is needed with a physician.
Talking to your doctor is the best way to understand what a blood test result means for your health. Important considerations related to the results of at-home blood testing include:
- Some tests require follow-up: If your levels are outside of the normal range, at-home tests may require follow-up with a medical professional.
- Instructions need to be followed to the letter: Every blood test is different, so pay attention to if you need to fast, how to store your sample and how quickly it must be sent back.
- Testing may cause anxiety: Getting the results of at-home blood testing can cause anxiety. Consider reaching out to your doctor, a mental health professional, or a support organization to get support for the emotional impacts of testing.
