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MyLab Box Review: Can You Actually Count on an STD Test from a Box?

MyLab Box Review

MyLab Box is a healthtech brand that offers at-home health testing services to make personal health monitoring more convenient and accessible. It provides a broad selection of lab-certified tests covering areas like wellness, nutrition, sexual health, and fertility.

The brand offers flexibility and privacy by providing mail-in kits, which help facilitate the self-collection of samples with detailed instructions for the same. Results are delivered online, and many tests include optional follow-up consultations with healthcare professionals.

This article explores how MyLab Box works, what types of tests are available, and the potential benefits of using the service. It also outlines how to interpret results and what distinguishes MyLabBox from other at-home testing brands.

About MyLab Box

Established in 2014 by Lora Ivanova and Ursula Hessenflow, MyLab Box was created to overcome the delays, discomfort, and lack of privacy often associated with traditional lab testing. The brand offers more than 50 types of tests, including nutrition, fitness, diabetes, fertility etc.

When you choose MyLab Box, you receive a complete testing kit delivered to your door in discreet packaging, along with clear instructions on self-testing. The sample collected using MyLab Box's at-home test kit is sent to CLIA and CAP-accredited laboratories in the U.S. for evaluation. Typically, you can receive the test results within 2-5 days after you mail your sample.

MyLab Box collaborates with medical experts, including Dr. Gary A. Richwald, MD, MPH, and Dr. Jeffrey Klausne, to ensure clinical accuracy and scientific rigor in every test. If you test positive, myLAB Box provides a free phone consultation with a licensed physician in your state. The doctor can guide you on treatment options and, if needed, send a prescription to your local pharmacy.

MyLab Box Tests

  1. Wellness At Home Tests

    MyLab Box's Wellness At-Home Tests screen for health aspects, such as vitamin and hormone levels, food sensitivities, allergies, and even early cancer detection. Popular options include the Vitamin D Test, which costs $89 and checks if your vitamin D levels are adequate to support bone density, immune health, and mood stability.

    If you suspect issues with energy, weight regulation, or mood, MyLab Box's Thyroid Screening Test ($125) checks for imbalances in thyroid hormones that directly affect your metabolism. At $199, the Indoor/Outdoor Allergy Test helps evaluate your body's reaction to 33 common allergens, such as pollen, mold, and pet dander.

    Under Wellness At-Home Tests, MyLab Box also provides the Food Sensitivity Test for $149 to screen for potential allergies to 96 common foods. The test may help you identify foods that may be causing bloating, fatigue, headaches, or digestive discomfort.

    MyLab Box provides a Weight Loss Test at $239 to analyze your hormone levels that influence fat storage, appetite, and metabolism. The brand also provides the Colorectal Cancer Screening ($79), which could help detect traces of blood in your stool and help identify early signs of colorectal cancer or precancerous growths.

  2. STD Tests At Home

    MyLab Box provides various at-home STD tests, which can help you obtain comprehensive and accurate assessments of your sexual health without the need for a clinic visit. Priced at $199, the Uber Box provides an 8-panel test for STDs, screening for infections like gonorrhea, hepatitis C, Herpes Simplex 2, syphilis, etc.

    For more extensive testing, MyLab Box offers a Total Box test priced between $369–$399, offering a 14-panel comprehensive testing for STDs. If you are concerned about higher-risk factors, the Safe Box ($169) offers a 5-panel test that focuses on the most common and serious STDs.

    MyLab Box also provides the V-Box test for $189 that targets the causes of abnormal vaginal discharge, testing for conditions like bacterial vaginosis (BV), yeast infections, trichomoniasis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea.

    If you prefer to test for specific infections, MyLab Box offers individual tests. The Genital Herpes Test ($89) detects Herpes Simplex Virus-2 (HSV-2), even in the absence of symptoms. The Chlamydia + Gonorrhea Test at $79 targets two of the most common STIs, while the Chlamydia + Gonorrhea 3-Site Test ($179) checks for these infections in genital, oral, and anal areas.

    For HIV testing, MyLab Box offers an HIV Test at $79 that detects the virus linked to AIDS, enabling early intervention if necessary.

  3. Women's Health Tests At Home

    MyLab Box offers a range of at-home tests that may provide valuable insights into your hormonal health, fertility, and the changes you may experience throughout various life stages (like menopause).

    The Perimenopause Test costs $99 and helps monitor hormonal fluctuations as you approach menopause. The test measures hormone levels like FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), estradiol, and progesterone, giving you an early indication of perimenopause.

    If you're already in menopause, MyLab Box's Postmenopause Test at $99 helps evaluate your estradiol and progesterone levels. The test helps you tackle common menopause symptoms, such as metabolism changes, bone loss, reduced sex drive, and sleep disturbances.

    For a more comprehensive understanding, the Women's Health + Fertility Test ($249) may provide insights into hormonal imbalances that could affect your mood, energy, fertility, and general health.

    The Women's Health + Fertility Test screens for hormones like testosterone, estradiol, DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), progesterone, cortisol, LH (luteinizing hormone), thyroid hormones (fT3 and fT4), TSH, and TPO (thyroid peroxidase antibodies).

  4. Family Planning Tests

    Under the Family Planning category, MyLab Box offers multiple at-home tests that may help you and/or your partner assess the status of fertility and reproductive health. For instance, at $99, the Male Fertility Test could help you monitor your sperm count. The Testosterone Test ($79) provides a screening for testosterone levels, which may significantly impact sperm production, fertility, and muscle growth.

    For women, MyLab Box offers two key fertility tests. The Ovulation Confirmation Test for $39 may help women track their progesterone levels to determine the optimal time for conception.

    The Female Fertility Test, at a cost of $149, offers a comprehensive view of multiple hormones that influence fertility. The test includes screening for hormones like AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone), estradiol, FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone), LH (Luteinizing Hormone), prolactin, FT4, and TSH.

MyLab Box Advantages

  1. Convenient At-Home Testing

    MyLab Box makes it easy for you to take charge of your health by offering various at-home test kits. You no longer need to rearrange your schedule or sit in waiting rooms to stay on top of your health. You simply need to follow the self-testing instructions, collect your sample, and mail it to the professional testing labs of MyLab Box. Such a level of convenience may support your ability to maintain consistent health routines without disrupting your day-to-day life. With tests like the Thyroid Screening Test and Vitamin D Test, you can monitor key health markers at your own pace without the added stress of scheduling appointments or taking time off work.

  2. Comprehensive Range of Tests

    MyLab Box offers more than 50 at-home testing services that tend to your specific health priorities. From general wellness to reproductive health and early cancer detection, MyLab Box gives you access to reliable, lab-based testing across multiple categories.

    For everyday wellness, you can gain insights into your energy, metabolism, and mood with tests like the Vitamin D Test, Thyroid Screening Test, and Weight Loss Test. If you're focused on sexual health, the Uber Box provides an 8-panel STD screening, while the Total Box test delivers an extensive 14-panel test screening for complete peace of mind.

  3. Lab-Certified Results

    With MyLab Box, you may trust that your test results meet strict standards of medical accuracy. The brand claims that every test sample is processed by CAP and CLIA-certified laboratories that follow strict quality control procedures when testing. It means that the testing results you receive are not only lab-certified but also comparable to those you would get from an in-person clinical setting or laboratory.

MyLab Box Limitations

  1. Customer Service Challenges

    Many consumers of MyLab Box have experienced difficulties in reaching the support team, with common issues including unresponsive live chat, unanswered phone calls, and delayed email responses.

    MyLab Box operates in the health and wellness space, where timely communication is often essential. The gaps in consumer service may create stress and uncertainty for customers. These shortcomings may hinder MyLab Box's ability to retain clients and sustain long-term growth.

    When customers encounter delays or fail to receive assistance, it affects their immediate experience with MyLab Box and also reduces the likelihood of repeat purchases and positive referrals.

  2. Shipping and Result Delays

    Many customers of MyLab Box have experienced slower-than-expected delivery of test kits and delays in receiving their test results. Such issues may create significant stress for consumers, particularly in cases involving potential infections or urgent screenings.

    As per reviews on Amazon, some consumers have experienced delays of three to five days in receiving their testing kits. In some cases, MyLab Box customers have waited up to 15 days without receiving their orders.

    Result processing times also show inconsistency. MyLab Box claims that results are typically available within 1 to 5 days after the lab receives the sample. However, some customers had to wait 12 days or longer for their results.

Pros

  • Provides more than 50 tests covering various health areas.
  • The samples are tested in CLIA-certified, CAP-accredited labs for accuracy.
  • Delivers test results electronically, providing quick and private access.
  • Includes free physician consultation if results are positive.
  • Offers free U.S. shipping on orders above $150.
  • Provides payment options through FSA and HSA cards.

Cons

  • Does not accept insurance.
  • Lacks transparency on the exact labs that conduct testing.

MyLab Box Alternatives Brands

  1. LetsGetChecked

    LetsGetChecked provides convenient at-home testing services. It offers 30+ tests focusing on screening for sexual health, cholesterol levels, liver and kidney function, and hormone balance. The brand also provides access to virtual consultations and ongoing medical support.

    In contrast, MyLab Box offers a broad selection of over 50 tests, including screening for sexual health, fertility, wellness, and drug testing. It offers testing services for both general and specialized health concerns, like toxicology screenings and wellness/nutrition.

    MyLab Box offers a quick turnaround time for test results. Typically, you can expect test results within 1 to 5 business days of sample collection. On the other hand, the test results from LetsGetChecked are typically available within 2 to 5 business days of sample collection, which has a slightly higher turnaround time than MyLab Box.

    LetsGetChecked offers a more global presence, as the brand's at-home test kit and services are available in the U.S., Ireland, and the U.K. In contrast, MyLab Box's services are available exclusively in the U.S., limiting its reach outside the continental USA.

  2. EverlyWell

    Everlywell is a health and wellness brand that provides a wide range of at-home testing services, including tests to screen for up to 83 biomarkers. The at-home tests by Everlywell cover areas like hormone levels, digestive health, and immune health. It also offers specialized tests like the Food Sensitivity Comprehensive Test and Women's Health Test.

    With Everlywell, board-certified physicians review the test results, which may add credibility and peace of mind. However, they don't offer personal medical consultations. If your test shows something concerning, you'll need to contact your doctor or a specialist to talk through the next steps.

    In contrast, MyLab Box offers free telehealth consultations if you test positive for an STD or other health conditions that require follow-up. It means a licensed physician will talk to you about your results and may even call in a prescription to your pharmacy if needed.

    The brands MyLab Box and Everlywell also differ in the perspective of pricing. The cost of at-home testing kits of MyLab Box ranges from around $39 and goes up to $399, depending on how detailed or specialized the test is.

    On the other hand, the cost of Everlywell's at-home testing kits ranges from $49 to $299, depending on the test type and specialty. The brand also offers a subscription plan called the “Everlywell+ Membership,” which allows you to get one qualifying test per month at a reduced rate.

How Did We Evaluate The MyLab Box?

  1. Consumer Feedback

    In evaluating MyLab Box, we took into account a wide range of consumer feedback from Amazon to assess both the strengths and areas for improvement. Reviews for MyLab Box's various test kits highlighted a mix of satisfaction and frustration.

    Many users praised the At-Home Vitamin D Test Kit by MyLab Box for its straightforward sample collection process, with some even noting a reasonable turnaround time for results. However, some users shared complaints about unclear instructions and delays/unresponsiveness from MyLab Box's customer support.

    The At-Home Herpes STD Test Kit received positive feedback on Amazon for its privacy, ease of use, and fast result delivery. Reviewers also highlighted the convenience of receiving results online and the discreet nature of the process. However, a few users reported delays, lost samples, and inconclusive results that heightened their anxiety.

    Many customers appreciated MyLab Box's At-Home Heart Health Test kit for providing a convenient way to monitor cholesterol and heart health from home. Customers also found the at-home testing process empowering and appreciated the digital format of their results. However, delays in result processing and unclear instructions were recurring concerns.

  2. Brand Reputation

    When evaluating MyLab Box, the brand's reputation could help understand its reliability and trustworthiness. Although MyLab Box offers convenient at-home testing services, its reputation among customers has a mixed response, especially on review sites like Trustpilot and BBB.

    On Trustpilot, MyLab Box holds a low rating of 2.4 out of 5, which is based on over 350+ reviews. The rating indicates that many MyLab Box customers have had negative experiences, particularly citing issues like delayed results, poor customer service, and difficulty navigating the testing process.

    Further adding to the concerns is MyLab Box's F rating with the Better Business Bureau, accompanied by 53 complaints. An F rating reflects serious issues with resolving customer complaints, raising questions about MyLab Box's commitment to addressing customer satisfaction.

  3. Price And Value

    When evaluating MyLab Box, we compared its pricing and features with similar tests from leading competitors to gauge overall value. MyLab Box offers a Chlamydia & Gonorrhea Test at $79, which includes fast lab results and a free physician consultation if the result is positive.

    MyLab Box also provides at-home testing for diabetes screening through its Hemoglobin A1c Test, which is priced at $74. In comparison, Everlywell's HbA1c Test costs just $49, making it suitable for routine diabetes monitoring without overspending.

    However, Everlywell's Chlamydia & Gonorrhea Test (priced at $94) is comparatively more expensive than MyLab Box. Everlywell's test includes the facility of clinician consultation and treatment if needed, along with testing results in just 1–2 days.

    The brand LetsGetChecked is at the premium end, as it offers the Simple 2 Test to screen for chlamydia and gonorrhea at $99. LetsGetChecked also provides a Diabetes and Heart Test, which screens for HbA1c and cholesterol markers for $99. While the cost is higher, it may appeal to users seeking broader insights in a single test.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How Reliable Are The At-Home Tests From MyLab Box?
    MyLab Box claims to follow industry standards for sensitivity and specificity, using CLIA-certified labs. When used correctly, their test accuracy is generally comparable to in-person lab testing.
  • Does MyLab Box Maintain Confidentiality?
    Yes, the makers state that MyLab Box ensures confidentiality with HIPAA-compliant services and secure online results, protecting your personal and medical information.
  • Are the Tests From MyLab Box Painful or Invasive?
    No, the test kits from MyLab Box are low-impact, which involves collecting samples like saliva, urine, or finger-prick blood. These collection methods are minimally invasive.

Conclusion

MyLab Box provides a convenient and confidential means to assess and monitor your health from the comfort of your home. You may choose from a wide selection of lab-certified tests covering aspects like sexual health, general wellness, fertility, food sensitivity, and hormone balance.

At-home testing by MyLab Box may improve access to early screening, especially in areas where privacy or convenience may be barriers, such as STDs and sexual health. By removing the need for in-person appointments, MyLab Box may help you stay proactive about your health on your schedule.

However, even after providing various health screenings, MyLab Box misses out on potentially important health markers, such as DNA testing. Moreover, you may experience concerns like delays in shipping, longer result processing times, and challenges reaching customer support when using MyLab Box's services.

While at-home tests from MyLab Box can be convenient, they should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical advice. If your test results indicate any irregularities, it's vital to seek guidance from a licensed doctor for an accurate diagnosis and a custom treatment procedure.

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This project was supported in part by NSF Grant IIS-03-25867 (ITR: An Electronic Field Guide: Plant Exploration and Discovery in the 21st Century) and by the Washington Biologists' Field Club.
Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official views, opinions, or policy of the National Science Foundation (NSF).