HealthLabs focuses on making lab testing more accessible, private, and easy to understand. The brand claims to help you take charge of your fitness without the need for doctor referrals or long wait times.
HealthLabs provides over 500 lab tests across a wide range of fitness areas. These may include tests for allergies, hormone levels, STDs, nutrition, general wellness, and more.
This article will explore the HealthLabs testing service in detail by discussing the types of services offered, how the brand's testing process works, customer support, and possible limitations.
Founded in 2015, HealthLabs offers direct-to-consumer lab testing designed to make fitness more accessible, affordable, and private.
The platform partners with CLIA-certified laboratories across the United States, labs that meet the standards of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments, ensuring accuracy and reliability in every test.
As per the official website, HealthLabs allows you to order a wide range of common lab tests, including blood and urine panels, without the need for a physician's referral.
HealthLabs delivers results within 1 to 3 business days, helping you receive timely answers that could lead to early intervention.
HealthLabs offers a serum cortisol test that may help evaluate adrenal function and diagnose conditions related to cortisol imbalance. This test is commonly used to assess for hypercortisolism or hypocortisolism. However, cortisol levels can fluctuate significantly due to various factors such as stress, infections (e.g., sepsis), time of day, recent surgeries, or use of corticosteroids.
Because of these fluctuations, a single cortisol measurement might not be enough for a conclusive diagnosis, and additional provocative testing could be needed to confirm cortisol excess or deficiency.
Decreased cortisol levels may indicate underlying conditions such as hypothalamic or pituitary insufficiency, adrenal dysfunction, or hypothyroidism. On the other hand, elevated cortisol levels might result from excess ACTH production due to a pituitary adenoma (Cushing disease), adrenal gland overproduction (such as from an adenoma or hyperplasia), or ectopic ACTH-secreting tumors (in organs like the lung or pancreas).
The hCG qualitative blood test offered by HealthLabs may help detect the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin hormone, which is made by the placenta after the fertilized egg gets implanted in uterine lining. This test targets the beta subunit of hCG, which makes it highly specific and reliable for early pregnancy detection. Since hCG is not produced unless pregnancy has occurred, this hormone serves as a definitive marker.
hCG is known as a glycoprotein hormone that plays a critical part in supporting early pregnancy. It may stimulate the corpus luteum to continue producing progesterone, which helps thicken the uterine lining to support fetal development. After implantation, hCG levels begin to rise rapidly, typically doubling every 48 to 72 hours. These levels usually peak between the 8th and 11th weeks of pregnancy before gradually declining and stabilizing for the remainder of gestation. Because of this hormone's early and rapid increase, blood-based hCG tests can be more sensitive than urine tests and may help detect pregnancy as early as 11 days after conception.
This qualitative test provides a simple positive or negative result, indicating whether hCG is present in the blood. A positive result suggests pregnancy, while a negative result means no detectable hCG. For people seeking more detailed information, HealthLabs also offers a quantitative hCG test, which measures the exact concentration of hCG in the blood.
This can help determine how far along a pregnancy is or identify possible complications such as multiple pregnancies, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or fetal demise.
HealthLabs features the Fasting Insulin Test, which is a crucial diagnostic tool for evaluating how well your body regulates insulin, a hormone essential for controlling blood sugar levels. Taken after an 8–12 hour fasting period, this test measures the amount of insulin in your bloodstream. It is particularly valuable for detecting insulin resistance conditions in which the body's cells fail to respond appropriately to insulin. Insulin resistance is known as a precursor to type 2 diabetes and has a critical role in metabolic syndrome, which can increase the chance of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
The fasting insulin test by HealthLabs could serve as an early warning system, detecting imbalances before they evolve into more serious concerns. This test helps track how effectively lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise or medications, are controlling insulin levels.
As per the official website, HealthLabs provides a wide selection of fast, pain-free, and highly accurate blood-based allergy tests. These tests work by measuring Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in your blood, which are key indicators of allergic responses. Unlike traditional skin prick tests, which can be uncomfortable and expose you to potential allergens directly, HealthLabs' method is non-invasive and eliminates the risk of triggering a reaction during testing. With a simple blood draw, you can access targeted results to pinpoint your specific sensitivities.
HealthLabs's Allergy testing category features the Basic Food Allergy Panel, which tests for 15 common food allergens, including cow's milk, egg whites, peanuts, soy, nuts, wheat, and select seafood. This panel could be suitable for anyone experiencing food-related symptoms or looking to gain early insights into potential dietary triggers. For broader screening, HealthLabs also provides a Comprehensive Food Allergy Panel on its platform that expands testing to 20 foods, including fish, crab, shrimp, milk, walnuts, and more.
Targeted testing options are also available by HealthLabs for more specific allergens. The Gluten Allergy Test checks for allergic responses or hypersensitivity to gluten, a protein found in wheat and other grains. Those with suspected reactions to seafood may opt for the Shellfish Allergy Panel, which detects sensitivity to four common shellfish allergens. Pet owners can benefit from the Cat and Dog Allergy Panel, which screens for dander-related allergic responses.
HealthLabs also offers focused panels for specific food groups. These include the Berry Fruit Allergen Panel (testing for five berry allergens, including avocado), the Citrus Fruit Allergen Panel, and Vegetable I and II Panels, which screen for commonly consumed vegetables often found in salads. The Meat Allergen Panel and Fish Allergen Panel identify reactions to various proteins, while the Nut Allergy Panel detects sensitivities to five common nut or seed allergens.
HealthLabs organizes its allergy testing into intuitive categories. These include Food Allergy Testing, Pet & Animal Allergy Testing, Prescription Drug and Chemical Allergy Testing, Grass & Tree Pollen Allergy Testing, Seasonal Allergen Testing, Regional Allergen Testing, Mold & Fungus Allergy Testing, and Insect Allergy Testing & Panels.
Symptoms that might prompt allergy testing include runny nose, congestion, sneezing, coughing, shortness of breath, hives, nausea, headaches, and even low-grade fever. If you're experiencing any of these regularly, pinpointing the cause through testing offered by the HealthLabs platform could help improve your quality of life.
Once you receive your results, you and your medical provider can create a personalized plan. This might include allergen avoidance strategies, over-the-counter or prescription medications, and preparedness measures like carrying an epinephrine auto-injector if necessary.
The Apolipoprotein B (Apo-B) blood test offered by HealthLabs is a vital diagnostic tool for assessing cardiovascular health, especially in those who are at risk for coronary artery disease (CAD). Apolipoprotein B is a primary protein component of low-density lipoproteins, which are responsible for transporting cholesterol and fat molecules throughout the bloodstream. Unlike standard cholesterol tests that measure the amount of cholesterol in the blood, the Apo-B test provides a more precise assessment by quantifying the actual number of atherogenic lipoprotein particles that contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries.
Elevated levels of Apo-B are strongly related to an increased risk of atherosclerosis condition, which is characterized by hardening of the arteries because of fatty deposits and related complications such as heart attack and stroke. This test could be helpful for people with a personal or family history of cardiovascular disease or those with metabolic conditions like diabetes or hypertension that heighten their risk.
HealthLabs features the Basic Female Hormone Panel, which helps measure key hormone levels alongside essential blood work, providing a snapshot of factors associated with the natural aging process in women. For a more detailed assessment, the Standard Female Hormone Panel expands on the basic tests, covering a broader spectrum of hormones and related blood markers.
The Comprehensive Female Hormone Panel offers an even wider range of hormone measurements and blood tests, delivering a thorough evaluation to help detect hormonal imbalances and monitor aging more precisely.
For women undergoing hormone replacement therapy, the Bioidentical Hormone Testing panel measures critical hormones such as progesterone, estrogen, and estradiol, the primary hormones commonly targeted in the procedure. People undergoing gender transition can benefit from the Trans-Hormone Wellness Panel, which helps monitor hormone levels closely through detailed blood work, ensuring a safe and effective transition process.
HealthLabs also provides a variety of personal hormone tests for those seeking to track specific hormone levels. These tests cover a broad array of hormones important to female health. For example, the Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) Test measures ACTH levels, which play a role in stress response and adrenal function. The Aldosterone-to-Renin Ratio Test is often used in cases of hypertension to evaluate the balance between these two hormones.
Other significant tests include the Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) Test, which assesses ovarian reserve and fertility potential, along with the Cortisol Test and its variant, the Cortisol AM & PM Test.
Steroid hormones such as Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate form are also measurable to understand androgen balance, while the Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) Test evaluates levels of this potent androgen linked to hair growth and other physiological functions.
Estrogen and its derivatives are crucial in female hormone health. The Estrogen Test and Total measures overall estrogen levels, while the Estradiol Test and the more sensitive Estradiol Ultrasensitive Test provide precise readings of estradiol, which is the most biologically active form of estrogen, which is important in reproductive and bone health.
The Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Test and the combined FSH & Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Test help assess reproductive function by measuring these key pituitary hormones involved in the menstrual cycle and ovulation. The LH Test alone also serves to monitor ovulatory function.
Other hormone tests for females include the Progesterone Test, which tracks this hormone vital for menstrual cycle regulation and pregnancy support, and the Prolactin Test, which measures prolactin levels associated with lactation and reproductive health.
HealthLabs also features the Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) Test that measures the protein responsible for transporting sex hormones in the blood, influencing hormone availability.
For broader fitness concerns related to hormone balance, tests like the Potassium Urine Test are also available through the platform, which can assist in diagnosing conditions such as primary hyperaldosteronism, providing important diagnostic information beyond hormone levels alone.
The official HealthLabs website gives you access to the Black Mold Exposure Test (IgG), which uses a blood sample to detect exposure to Aspergillus niger, a common toxic fungus found in soil, decaying vegetation, and various indoor environments. This fungus can produce harmful mycotoxins, often referred to as Black Mold toxins, which pose significant risks, especially when inhaled over prolonged periods in poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
Exposure to Black Mold mycotoxins is associated with respiratory problems, allergic reactions, and, in some conditions, more severe systemic effects. When mold growth is unchecked indoors, these mycotoxins can accumulate in the air, leading to chronic exposure that impacts sensitive individuals.
The test measures explicitly Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies in the bloodstream, key components of the immune system's longer-term defense. The presence of IgG antibodies indicates that your body has been exposed to Black Mold toxins, reflecting either past or ongoing exposure. Unlike IgE antibodies, which respond immediately to allergens, IgG antibodies signify a sustained immune response to the toxin.
It is important to distinguish the Black Mold Exposure Test (IgG) from the Black Mold Allergy Test (IgE). The IgE test measures immediate allergic responses by detecting IgE antibodies, which trigger symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and respiratory distress. In contrast, the IgG test identifies past or ongoing exposure to mold toxins by measuring IgG antibodies without indicating an allergic reaction.
Comprehensive Vitamin Panel by HealthLabs helps you analyze blood levels of 13 vital vitamins. This extensive panel provides valuable insight into potential deficiencies across the entire vitamin spectrum. HealthLabs also offers tests such as the Vitamin B12 Test (Cobalamin), which detects B12 deficiency, a crucial nutrient for nerve function and red blood cell production.
The Vitamin D 25-Hydroxy (Calcidiol) test measures vitamin D levels, which are important for bone function and immune regulation. Additional tests are available for Vitamin A (Retinol), Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Vitamin K1 (Phylloquinone), each playing a significant role in vision, immune support, antioxidant defense, and blood clotting, respectively.
Various B vitamin tests (including B1, B2, B3, B5, and B6), folic acid (folate), carotene (beta carotene), and methylmalonic acid tests (which can further detect B12 deficiencies) by HealthLabs round out the vitamin testing options.
Complementing these are mineral panels, such as the Comprehensive Mineral Panel, which evaluates five essential minerals in the blood, including calcium, potassium, and iron. These minerals are fundamental for muscle contraction, nerve function, and oxygen transport. There is also an Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids test to assess the balance of these crucial fats, which support heart health, cognitive function, and inflammation control.
Vitamins (A, C, D, E, and K) and minerals (calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and iron) are indispensable nutrients that serve as the building blocks for vital body functions. They aid in wound healing, immune system support, energy metabolism, and helping maintain healthy bones and teeth. Testing your levels makes it easier to tailor your diet and supplementation appropriately, ensuring your body receives exactly what it needs.
To help you navigate your options, HealthLabs categorizes its tests into areas such as Vitamin Testing, Mineral Testing, Amino Acid Testing, and Vegan Testing, allowing for a personalized approach to nutritional assessment.
HealthLabs offers a broad range of specialized testing categories to provide comprehensive insights into various aspects of your fitness.
It features Anemia testing that helps evaluate red blood cell levels and hemoglobin, which is crucial for diagnosing conditions that affect oxygen transport and energy. For people experiencing joint pain or swelling, HealthLabs gives access to arthritis and inflammation tests that provide essential biomarkers to help pinpoint causes and guide procedures.
Blood type and blood disorder tests by the brand reveal vital information about your blood composition and compatibility, which is important for transfusions and detecting disorders like clotting abnormalities. Cancer and tumor marker tests can aid in the early detection and monitoring of various cancers by measuring specific proteins and markers in the blood.
The HealthLabs platform also gives access to Cardiac wellness and cholesterol panels to evaluate cardiovascular risk by measuring cholesterol fractions, triglycerides, and other heart-related markers, supporting the prevention and management of heart disease. Diabetes testing evaluates blood glucose and HbA1c levels to diagnose and monitor diabetes, a condition affecting millions worldwide.
Drug testing offers accurate detection of substances in your body and is useful for clinical, employment, or personal purposes. Fertility and pregnancy testing by HealthLabs provides insights into reproductive health, hormone levels, and early pregnancy detection, supporting family planning and prenatal care.
You can also get gastrointestinal function tests that examine digestion and nutrient absorption by analyzing markers for infections, inflammation, and food sensitivities.
Heavy metals and toxins testing identifies exposure to harmful substances like lead, mercury, and arsenic, which can negatively impact organ function. Hepatitis testing screens for viral infections that affect liver health, enabling timely diagnosis and management.
HealthLabs also lets you take immunity detection and titer testing to assess your immune status by measuring antibodies, which is necessary for understanding vaccine effectiveness and infection history.
Infectious disease testing can cover a wide range of bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections, providing critical information for diagnosis and treatment. Kidney and liver tests evaluate the function of these vital organs, which are essential for detoxification, metabolism, and fluid balance.
As per the official website, Sports testing by HealthLabs offers performance and recovery insights by measuring biomarkers related to muscle function, hydration, and metabolic stress, helping athletes optimize training. STD testing enables confidential and accurate screening for sexually transmitted infections, supporting sexual function and prevention.
Testosterone testing assesses these key hormone levels, which are vital for energy, muscle mass, and overall vitality in both men and women. Thyroid tests evaluate thyroid gland function, which is essential for regulating metabolism, energy levels, and hormonal balance.
HealthLabs allows you to order lab tests directly without needing a traditional doctor's referral or prescription. Lab tests are ordered by physicians who evaluate a patient's symptoms or medical history before recommending specific diagnostics. However, this model often creates barriers, such as the need for a doctor's appointment, wait times, and sometimes extra costs.
HealthLabs revolutionizes this process by assigning you to take more direct control over your fitness monitoring. On the HealthLabs platform, you can browse an extensive catalog of lab tests and order them independently. When a test is purchased, HealthLabs generates a lab requisition form, which the customer brings or sends to a local CLIA-certified laboratory for sample collection. This approach lowers the hurdles for people who want to proactively check on their fitness without the delay or cost of a doctor's visit.
HealthLabs offers a wide selection of over 500 laboratory tests that cover a broad range of fitness and wellness indicators. This extensive test menu allows the brand to meet the needs of a diverse group of people, from those focused on routine fitness monitoring to people managing specific conditions or athletes tracking performance. The tests are organized into more than 20 categories, including general wellness and preventive fitness, hormonal and reproductive health, cardiovascular and metabolic markers, infectious diseases, allergy and inflammation, organ function, cancer markers, toxin screening, and sports performance. This variety makes HealthLabs a convenient option for anyone looking to customize their testing based on personal goals or medical advice.
HealthLabs primarily focuses on direct-to-consumer lab testing without mandatory physician involvement, but it recognizes the importance of expert interpretation and guidance for test results. To address this, HealthLabs offers optional consultation services with licensed physicians.
These consultations are typically conducted remotely by board-certified physicians or qualified medical professionals who review your lab results and provide personalized advice. This service is especially helpful for people who may feel uncertain about understanding their results, what steps to take next, or who have borderline findings requiring medical interpretation.
Consultations offered by HealthLabs add a layer of professional support that enhances customer confidence and satisfaction. It bridges the gap between self-ordered testing and traditional medical support by integrating access to expert opinions without requiring a full doctor's visit.
Consultations may cover explaining the significance of specific biomarkers, discussing potential lifestyle or medical interventions, recommending further testing, or advising when to seek in-person care.
While HealthLabs claims to provide easy access to lab testing, it does not offer follow-up care as part of its standard services. This means that after a user orders a test, visits a lab, and receives the results, there is no built-in system for ongoing medical support, diagnosis, or treatment. The service ends once the test results are delivered.
While users do have the option to purchase a phone consultation with a licensed physician through HealthLabs, this consultation is limited to interpreting the results and offering general guidance. It does not extend to writing prescriptions, scheduling future lab work, or managing chronic conditions. These are all tasks typically handled by a primary care provider or specialist, which HealthLabs does not replace.
This limitation can be especially important for people who are not already under the care of a physician or those who rely on guidance to understand their fitness condition. Receiving abnormal results may lead to confusion or concern, and without medical follow-up included, the user must take the initiative to find a provider who can assist further.
HealthLabs requires users to visit one of their partnered lab locations to complete the sample collection. They work with more than 4,500 CLIA-certified laboratories across the United States, but every test involves a visit to a physical site. This model limits flexibility and convenience, especially for people with mobility issues, busy schedules, or those living far from a nearby lab.
HealthLabs does not accept private or public health insurance, which means that you must pay out-of-pocket for all testing services. Payment can be made through PayPal or eligible funds through the Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Spending Accounts. Although these options provide some financial flexibility, the full cost must be covered by the user at the time of ordering. This model can be a disadvantage for people who want or need to use their insurance benefits to manage fitness expenses.
HealthLabs and Private MD Labs operate within the direct-to-consumer lab testing space, allowing you to access clinical-grade laboratory services without a physician's referral. However, the two differ in several technical and operational areas that influence the user experience and suitability for specific needs.
Private MD Labs, while offering a similarly comprehensive catalog of tests, emphasizes flexibility through customizable panels. This could make it particularly appealing for users managing ongoing conditions or those who require repeat or bundled testing. The platform is optimized for rapid turnaround, with many test results available in as little as 24 hours.
HealthLabs offers over 500 individual tests and panels, spanning categories such as thyroid function, fertility, infectious diseases, cardiovascular risk, and hormone health. Their network includes more than 4,500 CLIA-certified laboratories, providing users with broad geographic accessibility and confidence in clinical accuracy. The brand's interface is intuitive and designed to simplify the test selection and booking process. It also claims to deliver your results within 1 to 3 business days, depending on test complexity.
Private MD Labs is also noted for its strong privacy policies. It claims to keep the test results strictly confidential. It is not shared with insurance providers or physicians unless required by law, a policy that may appeal to users with heightened privacy concerns.
LabCorp is a global life sciences company that offers a vast array of diagnostic tests. It has introduced services like Labcorp OnDemand, allowing you to purchase tests online and choose between at-home sample collection or visiting one of its 2,000 patient service centers nationwide. LabCorp has collaborated with Getlabs to provide at-home phlebotomy services, enhancing convenience for users who prefer or require in-home testing.
HealthLabs, on the other hand, operates as an online marketplace, granting you access to over 500 lab tests across various categories, including hormone levels, infectious diseases, and nutritional deficiencies. You can order tests online without a physician's referral and typically receive results within 1 to 3 business days.
LabCorp has developed unique at-home collection devices, such as the Weavr Velvet™ device for diabetes risk assessment. This device enables you to collect blood samples at home, which are then analyzed with over 97% accuracy compared to traditional blood draws. HealthLabs, while offering a broad range of tests, does not currently provide at-home testing kits, requiring users to visit a partnered laboratory for sample collection.
HealthLabs adheres strictly to HIPAA Privacy Rules, ensuring that your data is protected. LabCorp also maintains rigorous data protection standards, with secure online portals for result access and integration with platforms like Apple Health Records, facilitating seamless and confidential information sharing.
To evaluate HealthLabs, we looked at several key factors, such as brand age, history, background, and customer feedback from Trustpilot.
HealthLabs has been in operation for over a decade and was one of the early brands to make direct-to-consumer lab testing widely accessible. It provides a wide range of tests, which includes general wellness panels, food sensitivities, STDs, hormone levels, and vitamin deficiencies, without requiring a doctor's referral. The company partners with well-known labs like LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics to handle the sample collection and processing, which adds to its credibility.
We also factored in customer feedback, and HealthLabs scores well in that area. On Trustpilot, the brand holds a 4.6-star rating based on more than 4,300 reviews. Customers consistently highlight the ease of ordering, clear instructions, quick turnaround times, and helpful customer support.
We based our evaluation of HealthLabs on firsthand customer experiences shared through Trustpilot, focusing on patterns in service delivery, customer support, billing practices, and reliability. The feedback revealed a troubling consistency in complaints, with a vast majority of users reporting issues that suggest serious operational and ethical concerns.
Customers frequently described being charged for tests that were never performed, penalized with a 20% “restocking” fee for cancellations, or even billed for services they never authorized. These policies, especially when applied to undelivered medical services, raise red flags about transparency and fairness.
Service execution also appears inconsistent and disorganized. Many customers arrive at labs only to find them closed or unaware of the scheduled tests, wasting time and money. Several reviews noted that their appointments didn't show up in the system, and attempts to resolve these issues were met with frustratingly limited support, often restricted to texting customer service, which proved unreliable.
While a small number of users had smooth experiences, often due to selecting a well-rated partner lab independently, these were exceptions. Even satisfied customers noted minor issues like upselling or clunky user interfaces. In contrast, the negative reviews pointed to a deeper problem, such as an unreliable infrastructure that fails to deliver critical medical services in a consistent, customer-focused way.
HealthLabs offers a convenient way to obtain fitness data quickly through CLIA-certified laboratories by eliminating the need for physician referrals.
The testing service emphasizes transparency, ease of ordering, and scientifically supported diagnostics, allowing you to monitor key fitness markers proactively. Optional consultations with licensed medical providers are available to help interpret results, although these do not replace comprehensive medical care.
HealthLabs also has some limitations, including the requirement to visit physical lab locations for sample collection, no acceptance of insurance payments, and the absence of built-in follow-up care.
Lab results alone do not provide a complete clinical picture without professional evaluation, making it necessary to consult your medical provider for interpretation and next steps.
HealthLabs can be a useful resource for accessing fitness information directly, but it should not be used as a replacement for traditional medical support. Careful consideration and professional guidance remain essential when acting on test results.
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