LetsGetChecked Reviews: Are these at-home tests for you?

Before the complexities of modern medicine, doctors used to make house calls. You could get a physical, have an injury looked at, and even diagnose an infectious disease without leaving the house. Today, at-home testing brings some of that convenience back, allowing patients to find out everything from their sexual health to their risk for diabetes in a matter of days.

Founded in 2014, LetsGetChecked offers safe and accurate at-home test kits that cover a whole host of medical questions. Its varied test lineup can identify biomarkers for cardiovascular health, vitamin deficiencies, fertility, and thyroid health, as well as STDs and cancer precursors. The company has a reputation for scientific integrity, and all of its labs are fully accredited and certified.

After thoroughly researching and testing what LetsGetChecked has to offer, we’ve broken down the important details of the company and its services to help you determine if it’s right for you.

LetsGetChecked offers a nice array of at-home testing kits — from sexual health and hormone levels to disease risk and much more. The company’s labs are CLIA- and ISO-certified and CAP-accredited, and results are delivered impressively fast. Additionally, new telehealth and prescription services can provide a cost-effective and convenient way to find treatment for many common conditions. However, the company has slimmed down its available tests, and blood sample collection may prove to be a major struggle for some.

Over the past two decades, Innerbody Research has helped tens of millions of readers make more informed decisions to live healthier lives. We extensively test each health service and product we review.

Our team has spent over 163 hours testing and researching LetsGetChecked and its close competitors. We personally ordered and tested multiple LetsGetChecked test kits to evaluate the service’s speed and user-friendliness. We pored over 50 research studies and scientific sources to bring you information on the conditions tested by LetsGetChecked and the methods it employs to determine your results. We also spoke with customer service representatives over the phone and via email to collect additional information not available elsewhere on the internet.

Additionally, like all health-related content on this website, this review was thoroughly vetted by one or more members of our Medical Review Board for accuracy.

We examined the service from a multitude of angles. Most notably, we paid attention to accuracy, cost, speed, and customer care. And it’s worth mentioning that our testers’ hands-on experiences carry a lot of weight in our grading process.

Accuracy

The accuracy of a given test depends on a lot of variables. For example, if you suspect you may have celiac disease but haven’t eaten gluten for a year, your body likely won’t have the antibodies needed to confirm a diagnosis.1 False positives and negatives aren’t unheard of, but LetsGetChecked does just about everything it can to ensure the highest degree of accuracy possible.

STD tests are among the most urgent positive/negative tests, and for these, LetsGetChecked utilizes NAAT PCR tests and electrochemiluminescence arrays whenever possible. These have a significant degree of accuracy without requiring a high concentration of a given analyte in your sample.2 3 That means you’re more likely to get more accurate results than you would from a simple culture.

LetsGetChecked’s labs in the U.S. are CLIA- and ISO-certified as well as CAP-accredited, meaning that they adhere to the same stringent standards as any other major testing facility in the medical industry. The same can also be said of Everlywell and myLAB Box.

The results our testers received from LetsGetChecked went into a fair amount of detail, providing specific level measurements for certain biomarkers where appropriate, as well as a plain-language explanation of the biomarker’s purpose and what results indicate.

Additionally, LetsGetChecked (as well as Everlywell and myLAB Box) uses collection materials that are right in line with what you’d see inside a professional clinic.

Cost

LetsGetChecked’s prices are pretty middle-of-the-road compared to its close competitors. For example, some myLAB Box tests are less expensive, while others cost more than those from LetsGetChecked. And a majority of Everlywell’s tests are either equivalent or less expensive.

LetsGetChecked does, however, offer the better deal on out-of-pocket telehealth service costs — its consultations are $49, while Everlywell’s are $59.

In terms of shipping costs from LetsGetChecked, standard shipping is free, and express shipping options are available for a nominal upcharge.

Though it’s not always the least expensive option out there, the company offers subscription discounts of 15%, 25%, and 30% if you choose to receive recurring deliveries every 12, six, or three months, respectively.

If you don’t want to subscribe, you can also utilize the promo code for Innerbody Research readers: INNERBODY25. That will knock 25% off the price of any single-purchase test.

Speed

Almost everything about the LetsGetChecked experience happens quickly. A standard shipping order should get your order to your door within 5-7 days. Our testers received theirs in nine, but this may not be the case for everyone. If you want expedited shipping, paying a fee will let you receive your kits in 1-2 business days.

When it comes time for you to test, you may notice instructions that advise you not to collect a sample too late in the day or on the weekend. You’ll also be required to drop off your sample (or have it picked up) on the same day it was collected. This is to help ensure your sample arrives as fresh as possible. Other testing companies like Everlywell and myLAB Box often don’t require same-day drop-off due to their use of dried blood sample testing.4 (Those samples should still be sent as soon as possible, however, just to be safe.)

LetsGetChecked notifies you as soon as your test arrives at the lab, and you typically receive your results within 2-5 days from that point. Impressively, our testers received their results within 24 hours post-drop-off.

And, if you opted in during registration, a nurse will reach out to you if your results require further consultation, often the same day that your results are ready.

Customer care

LetsGetChecked delivers some of the most considerate care in the business. If you opt-in during kit registration, a nurse will contact you directly in the event of positive tests for STDs or ailments like cancer or diabetes. They can take you through the next steps, connect you with physicians in your area, and even set you up with home delivery of medication for various issues. Everlywell offers a similar service, as does myLAB Box.

Calling the company is also a pleasure. The customer service representatives answered all of our calls in a matter of seconds; we never even got to hear the hold music. They were exceptionally friendly, and their knowledge base is impressive. Different reps we spoke to were able to speak to complicated medical testing questions (like the complete lab methodology of their herpes blood and urine tests) with the authority and comprehension of the lab techs themselves. The same can also be said of the reps we spoke with via email.

We also appreciated how easy it was to find contact information. Everlywell, in comparison, doesn’t have a “Contact Us” link in the footer of its website — there’s only a chatbot and a well-hidden email address at the very bottom.

LetsGetChecked does an excellent job of keeping you in the loop throughout the whole testing process. You’ll receive emails with links to tracking information from the distribution center to your home and from your home to the lab. And email alerts are prompt once results are ready to view.

Founded in 2015, LetsGetChecked is a health insights platform with headquarters in New York City and Dublin, Ireland, that aims to provide patients with accurate assessments of their health through at-home testing. LetsGetChecked’s tests cover a wide range of health and wellness concerns — from STDs and sexual health to thyroid disease, diabetes, cancer, and much more. The platform also offers telehealth consultations and prescription services (through its URAC-accredited affiliate, Coastline Pharmacy).

While it’s nice that these other services are available, LetsGetChecked is most widely known for its at-home test kits. These kits are housed in five distinct categories:

• Sexual Health
• Women’s Health
• Men’s Health
• General Wellness
• COVID-19

To analyze samples, LetsGetChecked sends them to its own CLIA-, ISO-, and CAP-certified laboratories across the U.S. and Ireland (for U.K. patients).

LetsGetChecked online reviews

On the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, LetsGetChecked isn’t accredited and hasn’t interacted with the profile much at all. The company has only nine reviews and replied to three out of the 25 total complaints (which has earned it an F rating). The complaints on BBB are mainly about COVID-19 tests expiring or people being unhappy with LetsGetChecked’s refund policy. Ultimately, though, this isn’t enough data to make an informed decision about the company.

Fortunately, the LetsGetChecked Trustpilot page is much more active. With over 17,000 reviews and a 4.6 out of 5 rating, LetsGetChecked has been dubbed “Excellent” by Trustpilot. The company asks for both positive and negative feedback, and its team has replied to 98% of negative reviews within 24 hours of posting. The majority of complaints are about the amount of blood needed for the test or delays in getting results.

Privacy considerations

LetsGetChecked states that “keeping your data secure is of the utmost importance” to the company. According to the privacy policy, there are a collection of ways in which LetsGetChecked secures your information:

• All personal information provided to the company is stored on secure servers.
• Transactions are encrypted using SSL technology. (This prevents hackers from viewing or stealing information.)5
• Your dashboard, including results, is password protected.
• Appropriate electronic and physical security measures (such as encryption) are taken to protect the security and confidentiality of your personal information.
• Your information will not be shared with third parties without your explicit consent except when necessary to fulfill your order.

The privacy policy also states that you have a right to a copy of any personal data the company has concerning you, via your account’s privacy settings. You also have the right to correct any inaccurate personal data or request that the company delete your data free of charge. To request copies of your data or deletion of it, you can email LetsGetChecked’s Data Protection Officer (DPO) at “dpo@letsgetchecked.com”.

Aiming to support the needs of a wide population, LetsGetChecked offers at-home tests for myriad common health concerns.

The service may be an ideal choice for anyone who:

• Values privacy and might be embarrassed to check for STDs and other sensitive ailments in person
• Wants answers to health questions but would rather skip the wait for a doctor’s appointment
• Wants to take testing matters into their own hands when their insurance won’t cover certain labs
• Is uninsured

Who might want to look elsewhere for testing?

LetsGetChecked may not be for you if you’re squeamish about blood or if you have a difficult time bleeding (due to clotting easily, for instance). If getting enough blood is a concern, a testing company that uses dried blood spot collection, like Everlywell or myLAB Box, might be a better idea. And if you’re squeamish, maybe a service where you can purchase a lab order to have your blood professionally drawn, such as Walk-In Lab, STDCheck.com, or HealthLabs, could be an ideal alternative.

Since our previous review of LetsGetChecked, the service’s offerings have changed in several ways. Some tests aren’t available anymore (like the test for prostate cancer and the “Big 3” STD panel), but some new ones have been added (such as the ovarian reserve and female fertility tests). And the company has also expanded into telehealth and broader pharmaceutical offerings (previously, the pharmacy was only treatments for those who tested positive for certain conditions).

Below, you can find more information on these services. For tests, we’ll just offer some basic information — if you’re interested in learning more details, we delve into each individual testing category in their own dedicated sections further down.

LetsGetChecked at-home test kits

LetsGetChecked organizes its at-home tests into five distinct categories. While each category has its own unique tests, you’ll occasionally find some duplicates. For example, the vaginitis test kit can be found in both the sexual health and women’s health sections of the website.

Here’s a quick breakdown of these categories:

• Sexual Health: This category has three tiers of STD panels and a few standalone tests for herpes, hepatitis, and vaginitis.
• Women’s Health: For women, LetsGetChecked offers fertility testing, tests for various hormones (like progesterone), an ovarian reserve test, and a test for PCOS.
• Men’s Health: For men, the company has a standalone testosterone test and two tiers of male hormone panels.
• General Wellness: This category includes a wide variety of health tests, including vitamin and mineral testing, a kidney test, a celiac test, a diabetes test, and more.
• COVID-19: For coronavirus, LetsGetChecked sells tests for individuals and organizations (like businesses and schools).

LetsGetChecked telehealth

LetsGetChecked has started offering telehealth consultations. For $49 per visit, anyone 18 and older can contact a board-certified healthcare professional through the LetsGetChecked mobile app’s secure messaging system. It’s a bit disappointing that these visits are text-based only, but with the service being in its infancy, there’s definitely room for it to grow over time.

One perk of this text-based consultation is that you’ll receive a full transcript of the conversation and clinical guidance offered. You’ll also have free access to continued correspondence with your provider for 72 hours for follow-up questions as needed.

If you live in an applicable state, there are currently 60+ concerns that LetsGetChecked can help you address, including, but not limited to:

LetsGetChecked does not accept insurance (for telehealth or any other service), but you can use an HSA/FSA card at checkout.

Additionally, if you’re prescribed a medication, it’ll be shipped either straight to you from the LetsGetChecked pharmacy or (if needed urgently) to your local pharmacy for pickup.

LetsGetChecked pharmacy

Not long ago, the LetsGetChecked pharmacy was only for the treatment of certain conditions that its test kits checked for, mainly STDs. Now, the pharmacy is more akin to what you might find from larger telehealth providers like Hims and Hers. This setup is becoming more popular with testing companies; Everlywell also offers telehealth and pharmacy services.

LetsGetChecked makes it clear that all patients will have to go through a telehealth consultation ($49) to potentially receive a prescription, and being prescribed something isn’t a guarantee — it’s all up to your provider’s discretion.

Unlike its list of conditions treated, LetsGetChecked doesn’t currently list all of the medications available. However, there is a list of the prescriptions that aren’t provided. These include:

• Hormonal replacement
• Narcotic pain medication
• Controlled substances (like Adderall or Xanax)
• Detox medications (such as Suboxone)
• Medications that require intramuscular injection
• Medications needing regular lab work or monitoring
• Sleep medications
• Medical marijuana

As with its other services, LetsGetChecked does not accept insurance for its pharmacy items, but HSA/FSA cards can be used for payment. If you need to pick up your prescription from a local pharmacy, you may be able to use your insurance then.

An important note: Since LetsGetChecked is not an in-network provider for any insurance company, there’s a possibility that prescriptions from the service may not be covered by your plan. If you’ll be picking up your prescription locally, LetsGetChecked recommends discussing this concern with your provider during your consultation and reaching out to your insurance carrier to check.

LetsGetChecked makes it easy to navigate its website and find the test that works best for you. In this section, we’ll discuss a few different ways to find the right test, the checkout process, and shipping options.

Finding a test

Navigating the LetsGetChecked website is a simple affair. The “Health Tests” drop-down menu at the top of the page leads you to the five categories of tests: Sexual Health, Women’s Health, Men’s Health, Wellness, and Coronavirus. And each of those sections, when clicked, brings you to the full list of tests in that category.

If you’re unsure where to start, you can click on the image labeled “Unsure where to start?” in the “Health Tests” drop-down menu. This will bring you to a quick quiz that asks questions about:

• Your gender and age
• If you have a health goal
• How often you exercise
• Your alcohol consumption
• How many servings of fruit and vegetables you eat
• If you follow a special diet (such as Vegan, Keto, or Dairy-free)
• If you have diabetes, high cholesterol, or a thyroid condition
• Your height and weight (these questions are skippable)

Your results will display three recommendations based on your responses. If they don’t sound quite right for you, you can go back to the homepage and browse, retake the quiz, or consult a provider for advice in a telehealth session ($49).

Payment options

Once you determine the best test (or tests) for you, you’ll have the option to purchase it once or subscribe for recurring deliveries at specific intervals. This could be beneficial for those with a condition that requires frequent re-testing or monitoring. Every test and panel presents the option to subscribe, and each frequency leads to a different percentage taken off of the cost of each delivery.

• Every 12 months: 15% off
• Every 6 months: 20% off
• Every 3 months: 30% off

It’s worth mentioning that you can’t combine subscription savings with promo codes, such as our "INNERBODY25" code, which is good for 25% off any of LetsGetChecked’s at-home test kits.

For payment, the company accepts credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, and PayPal. You can also pay with an HSA/FSA card. The company does not currently accept insurance for any of its services.

Shipping

In terms of shipping, you have the option of selecting free standard shipping or paying for express shipping (which varies in cost depending on your location). Both choices include tracking information, so you’ll be able to keep an eye on your package in transit.

If you stick with free shipping, your test should arrive at your door in about a week, and then you can register your kit and get on to sample collection. Our testers put their orders (for thyroid and kidney test kits) in on a Wednesday afternoon and received their tests in the mail around midday on the Friday of the following week — nine days total. This isn’t an egregious wait, but it was longer than the estimated 5-7 days.

After your test arrives in the mail, you’re ready to get started. Below, we delve into the testing process, including our personal experience with the kits and the frustrations our testers experienced during sample collection.

Activating your test kit

Before collecting your sample, it’s important to first register your LetsGetChecked test kit — your sample can’t be linked to you (and you won’t receive your results) if you don’t register the kit beforehand. Among the various materials in your kit is a small card (as pictured in the center of the image above) with your unique kit identification codes. You can either scan the QR code on the card or navigate to the activation page on the LetsGetChecked website to start.

After entering the unique codes, you’ll be asked to either create an account or sign in. Once you’re signed in, LetsGetChecked will ask you a series of questions surrounding the condition or concern the test is for.

At the end of the quiz, LetsGetChecked will offer you the option of a phone call from its clinical team in the event of an abnormal result. Accepting or denying won’t make a difference in how your results are presented.

And finally, you’ll be asked to pick a date and time for taking your test. LetsGetChecked often recommends testing early in the morning, before eating, on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday.

Collecting and submitting your sample

While some LetsGetChecked tests require a cheek swab or urine sample, most require a capillary blood sample. All the equipment needed to properly collect this sample is included in your testing kit — two alcohol prep pads, a piece of gauze, two spot bandages, four sterile lancets, the sample collection tube, instructions, and a biohazard bag.

Unfortunately, this is where our testers experienced frustration with LetsGetChecked. Previous versions of certain LetsGetChecked tests used dried blood spot testing, which is a collection method that requires you to prick your finger and allow blood to drip onto specified areas of a card. It usually doesn’t require much blood (or hassle) to collect those samples. However, LetsGetChecked has moved entirely to “wet” samples collected via pricking your finger and bleeding into a collection tube up to the fill line. And this tube isn’t exactly the smallest.

It may not look like that big of a tube in the picture above, but filling up that vial with individual drops of blood can take a long (and messy) time for some people. If you clot easily, like one of our testers, this sample collection method may feel like a serious chore. Research has suggested wet and dry sampling methods to be basically equivalent in maintaining the stability of proteins in the blood, so we hope LetsGetChecked returns to its dried blood spot testing days at some point in the future, especially since a decent number of competitors (like Everlywell and myLAB Box) use dried blood spot testing.4

To increase blood flow prior to a finger-prick test, we recommend using warm water to wash your hands and leaving them under the running tap for an extra minute or so. And, if you’re able to, consider placing the collection tube on a steady surface down low to let gravity assist you.

Once you’ve collected your blood sample and bandaged your wounds from the (likely) multiple finger pricks, simply place it into the biohazard bag provided, fill out the biohazard label information, and place the bag into the box. After that, just place the box in the prepaid shipping envelope and send it back on the same day you collect the sample. You can arrange a UPS pickup or send it off at a nearby UPS drop-off point.

Getting your results

LetsGetChecked aims to have your results ready in 2-5 business days, but our testers received theirs within an impressive 24 hours. This is the fastest turnaround time for an at-home test we’ve experienced — and it happened on a few separate occasions when trying LetsGetChecked tests.

When your results are ready, you’ll receive an email directing you to your LetsGetChecked dashboard. (This company doesn’t text you like Everlywell does, for instance, so you’ll need to keep an eye on your email inbox.)

If you have any questions or concerns about your results, you can click on “Talk to us” at the bottom of your results page; nurses are available to answer any questions you have about the results themselves. However, you might be able to find the information you’re looking for within each biomarker result — every result includes an easy-to-understand explanation underneath.

And if you take multiple of the same test, you can view how your results changed and evolved in your dashboard. LetsGetChecked marks your biomarker levels on a chart that you can use to track trends over time.

In the event that a positive result requires additional medical consultation (and you opted-in to receive a call during your activation quiz), a nurse will reach out to you directly. Many patients report phone calls coming from nurses before they even saw the email that their results were in. The nurses can refer you to specialists when necessary and provide you with prescriptions for confirmed ailments (this used to be free, but it’s now an additional cost).

LetsGetChecked previously offered a few different individual and bundled sexual health tests but has since cut down to only offering three STD panels, a herpes test, a hepatitis B & C test, and a vaginitis test. We used to feel that the individual tests were convenient and economical for people who knew what STDs they may have come into contact with, and we’re disappointed to see those options no longer exist. If you’re looking for individual STD tests, both Everlywell and myLAB Box offer multiple different standalone test kits.

However, many people are often not aware they’ve been exposed to STDs/STIs and could benefit more from the broader panels offered by LetsGetChecked. Below, you’ll find a chart explaining what each STD panel checks, the prices, and the collection methods. (LetsGetChecked notes that the prices of these panels do not include the additional cost of a follow-up consultation or prescribed medication.)

Also, it’s worth mentioning that the Complete 8 panel is currently unavailable in New York due to state restrictions.

When should you test for STDs?

Not all STDs are detectable within the same amount of time; some can take weeks, while others may take months. The chart below offers a quick reference for knowing when it’s best to test for common STDs/STIs after a potential or known exposure.6

Simple 2

The Simple 2 Test ($99) checks for chlamydia and gonorrhea. These are two of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the U.S., and people often contract them together.7 8 Infection with either can have serious health consequences if not caught and treated early, but both are easily curable in most cases.

If this test comes back positive, it’s recommended that you get re-tested two weeks after your treatment concludes to ensure the infection has completely cleared. Unfortunately, the LetsGetChecked Simple 2 Test will not tell you the specific area of your body that is infected (genital, anal, or oral infection). However, this will only be relevant to some customers, as treatment for all three infection types is similar (a course of antibiotics).8

Standard 5

The Standard 5 Test ($149) includes tests for five STDs:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Trichomoniasis
• HIV
• Syphilis

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).9 Once you become infected with HIV, you will always carry the virus and must continue antiretroviral treatment for life. An HIV diagnosis would be devastating to many people, but diagnosis with this virus is far from the death sentence it once was.

It’s now possible to bring HIV infections under control, giving patients a life expectancy close to the rest of the population. The CDC recommends HIV screening for everyone aged 13-64. Testing is essential for those who:10

• Engage in unprotected sex
• Are IV drug users
• Have come into contact with blood products
• Were born to HIV-positive mothers

LetsGetChecked labs employ an electrochemiluminescence array to reliably detect the presence of HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies, as well as the p24 antigen. The test’s sensitivity makes for a higher rate of false positives, so the company recommends a second test to confirm a diagnosis.

Syphilis is an STD caused by bacteria. It can cause severe and even life-threatening medical issues if left untreated. Patients will often have no symptoms in the early stages. Luckily, a short course of antibiotics can cure it. Testing is a good idea if:11

• You have engaged in unprotected oral, vaginal, or anal sex with someone who may be infected.
• You have come into contact with an infected sore.
• You are an IV drug user.

Trichomoniasis, also called “trich,” is a very common STD caused by a protozoan parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis. About 70% of people with trich don’t experience any signs or symptoms. While the parasite is transmitted through genital contact, it’s not uncommon for it to infect other parts of the body, like the hands or mouth. Trich is considered the “most common curable STD,” so once diagnosed, treatment will likely be successful.12

Complete 8

The LetsGetChecked Complete 8 ($249) is the most comprehensive STD panel the company provides. It includes testing for the following:

Gardnerella is a potential cause of bacterial vaginosis (BV), and so is more relevant to women than men, though men can also contract and spread it.13 Mycoplasma and ureaplasma are classes of free-living organisms that lack cell walls. They can exist in a healthy urogenital tract without causing harm or symptoms, but they may spur several conditions like postpartum fevers, pelvic inflammatory disease, and even congenital pneumonia.14

The Complete 8 panel is currently not permitted for use in New York due to state restrictions.

Herpes test

Herpes simplex virus (HSV), also known as herpes, is a common infection that may lead to painful blisters or ulcers. Type 1 (often spread through oral contact) usually results in cold sores, while Type 2 (spread through sexual contact) leads to genital herpes. Many patients are often asymptomatic, so testing after a potential exposure could be valuable.15

The Herpes Test ($119) tests for herpes simplex virus-1 and -2 and requires a blood sample. LetsGetChecked labs use an ELISA test capable of reliably differentiating between HSV-1 and HSV-2, which can help guide you to receiving proper treatment.16 This test from LetsGetChecked is our top recommendation for at-home herpes testing at this time, and you can learn more about how it compares to the competition in our dedicated guide to the subject.

Viruses like herpes are almost impossible to cure, but there are treatments and medications to manage outbreaks of sores and other symptoms. It’s especially important to know your herpes status if you are pregnant, as herpes can pass to a newborn (neonatal herpes simplex), which can be fatal for the baby.17 Bleeding sores from HSV-2 can also increase your risk of passing on or contracting Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) when engaging in vaginal, oral, or anal sex.18

Hepatitis B & C test

The Hepatitis B & C Test ($89) checks for two serious liver infections caused by a virus. If left untreated, they can both cause permanent and potentially life-threatening damage to your liver.19 Luckily, it is now possible to treat or cure infections in most cases. Infections may be asymptomatic for many years, with affected persons only realizing they have hepatitis when the liver has already been damaged, sometimes significantly. Patients often spread the virus through blood-to-blood contact or, rarely, through unprotected sex.

LetsGetChecked utilizes a blood sample and a highly accurate electrochemiluminescence test to determine the presence of hepatitis and differentiate between the two types.

The CDC recommends that all adults between the ages of 18 and 79 undergo testing for hepatitis C at least once, as should people with specific medical conditions and people in high-risk groups, such as current or former IV drug users.20

Vaginitis test (BV, CV, TV)

Vaginitis is inflammation of the vagina that may lead to discharge, itching, and pain. According to the Mayo Clinic, the condition is commonly caused by bacterial vaginosis (BV), yeast infections, or trichomoniasis.21

LetsGetChecked’s Vaginitis kit ($199) checks your sample for all three of these common causes by testing for bacterial vaginosis, candida vaginitis, and trichomonas vaginitis. If your test comes back negative, then your vaginitis may be due to a different cause, such as fluctuating or reduced estrogen levels. 21

LetsGetChecked has recently added a new test to its portfolio of women’s health tests — one for PCOS. This is a fairly unique test; competitors Everlywell and myLAB Box offer similar kits, but none that measure the same biomarkers as LetsGetChecked’s PCOS test. We’ll delve into the details of each of these women’s health tests below.

Female hormone test

Several hormones help regulate a woman’s fertility, and imbalances in these hormones can result in everything from unexpected weight gain to irregular menstruation.22 LetsGetChecked’s Female Hormone Test ($139) is ideal for women and AFAB individuals interested in starting families or concerned about their fertility status. This test measures follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin, and estradiol levels in the blood.

This test requires a small blood sample, and patients must take it between days 3-7 of their menstrual cycle. If you’re currently taking hormonal contraceptives (or have taken them in the past three months), then the accuracy of the test will be affected. Additionally, supplements containing biotin and medications containing steroids may also impact your results.

Since everyone’s baseline hormone levels may differ, it’s recommended that you discuss any worrisome results with your primary care doctor or OB/GYN.

Ovarian reserve test

The Ovarian Reserve Test ($139) measures AMH (anti-Mullerian hormone) levels in the blood to estimate ovarian reserve. Compared to the average for one’s age, AMH levels can roughly predict how many eggs you have left.23 This count does not tell you how likely you are to achieve a successful pregnancy from one of these eggs, but it can help with family planning.

Abnormally low levels of AMH may indicate a lower number of viable remaining eggs, while abnormally high levels can be an indicator of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The test requires a blood sample, and hormonal contraceptives may impact results.24

Unfortunately, this test is one of the many not available in New York due to state restrictions.

Progesterone test

The Progesterone Test ($99) requires a blood sample, and it can tell you whether or not ovulation has occurred by day 21 of your menstrual cycle. Elevated progesterone on day 21 indicates a regular cycle, which may allow you to better time your attempts at conception. A low 21-day progesterone level suggests that you did not release an egg this cycle and would not have been able to get pregnant. It may also be a sign of an irregular cycle, and additional progesterone tests taken between days 18 and 24 may help you identify your most fertile days.25

Progesterone levels should remain high in a pregnant woman since it plays a crucial role in preparing the uterus for implantation and maintaining that space for the egg to thrive. Low levels of progesterone during pregnancy can indicate miscarriage risk.26

As with the Ovarian Reserve Test, the Progesterone Test is currently not available to New York state residents.

PCOS test

LetsGetChecked’s PCOS Test ($139) requires a blood and saliva sample. This test measures the most biomarkers out of any of the women’s health tests offered by the company — testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin, free androgen index, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, cortisol, and anti-Mullerian hormone.

Checking for androgens, in particular, is necessary for diagnosing PCOS, as the condition is characterized by the overproduction of these hormones. The presence of ovarian cysts is no longer considered the defining factor of the condition since some people with PCOS don’t develop cysts, while others without the condition may.27

Interestingly, this test is not only unavailable to those in New York state, but it’s also unavailable to anyone under the age of 20.

The only recent change in LetsGetChecked’s men’s health tests has been the discontinuation of the PSA test for prostate cancer. We find this a bit disappointing, especially considering the fact that prostate cancer is not only the most common cancer in American men but also their second-leading cause of death behind lung cancer.28

Aside from that, the two remaining men’s health tests should still prove beneficial for many testers.

Testosterone test

Secreted by the testes, testosterone is a sex hormone that is essential for the development of muscle tissue and male reproductive tissue and for promoting secondary sexual characteristics such as the growth of body hair.29 Low testosterone levels can cause erectile dysfunction, impacted sex drive, infertility, and even cardiovascular disease.30 Reasons for low testosterone levels include obesity, testicular injury, chemotherapy or radiation treatment, genetic abnormalities, diabetes, hemochromatosis, or the use of performance-enhancing drugs or supplements.31

Testosterone is also produced in low levels by the ovaries, and abnormal hormone levels in women can cause a range of symptoms, but LetsGetChecked only includes the standalone Testosterone Test ($89) with its men’s health tests.

Male hormone tests

Several hormones play essential roles in regulating a man’s overall health, and imbalances in these hormones can result in a range of problems. LetsGetChecked offers two tiers of male hormone tests in addition to the standalone testosterone test.

These panels can provide an overview of a man’s hormonal health with progressively higher levels of specificity. Common reasons to take these tests include the development of erectile dysfunction, enlarged or tender breast tissue, an increase in abdominal fat or a decrease in muscle mass, a reduction in libido, or fertility problems.

These tests cannot diagnose any specific conditions or pinpoint the causes of any abnormal results. However, they can flag potential issues that may require further testing or rule out hormonal imbalance as a cause of any ongoing symptoms. The two panels include:

• Male Hormone Advanced ($179): This blood test examines your testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin, prolactin, estradiol, and free androgen index.
• Male Hormone Complete ($199): This blood and saliva test checks everything in the Male Hormone Advanced test, with the addition of cortisol.

While the standalone testosterone test is permitted in New York state, neither of the Male Hormone panels currently are.

There have been several tests removed from LetsGetChecked’s Wellness category, and no new additions. Tests for your liver function, iron levels, mineral levels, and omega-3 levels have been discontinued. Perhaps the company has been preoccupied with breaking into the broader telehealth space, but we hope to see some new additions (and fewer removals) in the future.

Thyroid and thyroid antibody test

The thyroid is an endocrine (hormone-secreting) gland in your neck with several functions, most notably regulating your metabolic rate. Thyroid disorders result in either excessively high or insufficient thyroid hormone production. This causes two different conditions:55

• Hypothyroidism, with symptoms including weight gain, hair loss, constipation, sensitivity to cold, and fatigue
• Hyperthyroidism, with symptoms such as weight loss, rapid heart rate, sweating, diarrhea, and anxiety

The LetsGetChecked Thyroid Test ($99) evaluates thyroid function by analyzing three biomarkers: thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3), and free thyroxine (FT4). The more comprehensive Thyroid Antibody Test ($119) adds thyroglobulin antibodies (TGAB) and thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPEX) to its analysis.

The main difference between the two kits is that the TGAB and TPEX antibody testing in the Thyroid Antibody Test can tell you whether your thyroid dysfunction is likely related to an autoimmune disorder.32

Both tests require a blood sample. And the antibody test is unavailable for those in New York state.

Colon cancer screening test

Colon cancer is common in both men and women — it’s the third most common cancer diagnosed in the U.S.33 And, like all cancers, it can be deadly if not caught early. The LetsGetChecked Colon Cancer Test ($89) screens for the early stages of colon cancer by identifying tiny amounts of blood in your stool. A positive result does not mean you have cancer, as many other conditions or injuries can cause small amounts of blood in the stool.34

If you test positive, the company will refer you to a gastroenterologist or your GP for further testing to determine the source of the blood. This test is particularly relevant for those over 50 and those with a first-degree relative who has had any form of colorectal cancer. LetsGetChecked provides you with a plastic collection stick, so you don’t have to get hands-on with your stool sample, which is a nice added consideration.

This is one of the few LetsGetChecked tests that you can purchase in bulk.

Essential vitamin test

The LetsGetChecked Essential Vitamin Test ($109) tests your blood levels of three key nutrients: vitamin D, vitamin B12, and vitamin E. A lack of vitamin D can decrease your body’s ability to absorb calcium. This has negative consequences for bone strength, the growth and development of teeth, and the prevention of osteoporosis.35 Several studies have also linked low vitamin D levels to the development of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which can manifest as fatigue, weakness, and depression.36

Vitamin B12 is vital for nervous system maintenance and creating healthy new blood cells. Significant B12 deficiency can cause permanent damage to the brain and nervous system, with symptoms including fatigue, depression, memory problems, and breathlessness. Since B12 is abundant in meat, it’s an ideal supplement for vegans and vegetarians.37

Vitamin E is an essential nutrient for maintaining the health of your vision, blood, brain, and skin. This vitamin also has antioxidant properties, which can protect your cells against free radicals (these molecules may play a role in heart disease and cancers).38

This test is not available to those in New York state.

Vitamin D test

The standalone Vitamin D Test ($89) looks for Vitamin D deficiency, which is a very common issue for many people — about one billion people worldwide are deficient.35 It can contribute to many health issues, including an overall predisposition to inflammatory responses, increasing your likelihood of developing serious complications.39

In most cases, you can rectify vitamin D deficiency by increasing your time in the sun and your dietary vitamin D consumption or by taking supplements.

And, like the Essential Vitamin Test, the standalone Vitamin D Test is unavailable to residents of New York State.

Micronutrient test

The Micronutrient Test ($179) reveals your key vitamins and essential minerals levels, helping you detect any deficiencies where your diet might need a boost. This blood test measures your levels of vitamins D, B12, and E, as well as copper and selenium. Deficiencies in critical vitamins and minerals (such as B12) can cause fatigue, frequent illness, aches, hair loss, weight loss, and weakness.40

Cholesterol test

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in almost all Western countries.41 Early identification and monitoring of high cholesterol can allow you to make lifestyle changes or start medications that may significantly improve your prognosis. The LetsGetChecked Cholesterol Test ($89) offers a comprehensive insight into the overall health of your heart. It includes an evaluation of your total cholesterol levels and triglycerides, HDL (high-density lipoprotein, “good” cholesterol), LDL (low-density lipoprotein, “bad cholesterol”), HDL as a percentage of total cholesterol, and lipoprotein (a) levels.

This blood sample test is particularly relevant for people with family histories of high cholesterol, heart disease, stroke, or diabetes; people who smoke, don’t exercise, or have overweight; and those who take cholesterol medication.

HsCRP test

The HsCRP Test ($89) evaluates levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in your blood. The liver produces CRP in response to inflammation, often before other symptoms occur. High levels of CRP can indicate an infection, chronic inflammatory disorders (such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or vasculitis), autoimmune disorders, a traumatic injury, coronary heart disease, or another chronic disease.42 This test requires a blood sample.

There are numerous possible reasons for CRP levels to be temporarily elevated, many of which are relatively harmless. The results of this test cannot tell you the cause of inflammation, however. If you receive abnormal results, it’s best to seek advice from your healthcare provider.

Cortisol test

The LetsGetChecked Cortisol Test ($99) measures the amount of steroid hormone released by the adrenal gland in response to stress or low blood-glucose concentration. This gland performs many functions, like increasing blood sugar levels, decreasing inflammation, regulating metabolism, and maintaining electrolyte balance.43

A number of different medical conditions relating to either the adrenal or the pituitary gland can cause abnormal cortisol levels, such as Addison’s disease, hypopituitarism, Cushing’s disease, or other tumors that affect cortisol production.43 An abnormal result from this blood test will likely require further analysis by a medical professional, as the report won’t tell you the cause of the increased hormone level.

Kidney test

Your kidneys filter your blood to remove waste materials through the urine, along with several other important functions. The LetsGetChecked Kidney Test ($99) evaluates the health of your kidneys by analyzing levels of urea, creatinine, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Abnormally high urea and creatinine levels, along with a low eGFR, can indicate acute or chronic kidney disease, which can be very serious.44

Symptoms of kidney disease include reduced urine flow or increased urination frequency, swelling of the appendages, nausea, loss of appetite, sleep disturbances, or blood in the urine. If you have none of these symptoms and don’t fall into a group at increased risk of kidney disease, this blood test is probably not necessary for you. Groups at increased risk include those who take anti-inflammatory medication, consume a high-protein diet, have high blood pressure or diabetes, get persistent urinary tract infections or kidney stones, and those who have a family history of these conditions.45

To explore more kidney testing options, check out our comprehensive guide to the best at-home kidney tests.

Celiac test

Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder caused by an abnormal immune response to gluten, a protein found in wheat and other grains such as rye and barley. The most common symptoms are gastrointestinal issues such as bloating, diarrhea, and malabsorption of vitamins, along with the other symptoms resulting from vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Studies indicate that a number of genetic factors increase your likelihood of developing celiac disease, so this test may be of particular interest to those who have first-degree relatives with the condition.46

The LetsGetChecked Celiac Test ($119) analyzes two different biomarkers: tissue transglutaminase (tTG) and endomysial antibodies (EMA). Low levels of tissue transglutaminase or high levels of endomysial antibodies can indicate celiac disease. However, diagnosis of celiac disease is notably tricky. The inclusion of EMA testing can help make a celiac disease diagnosis more certain.47

The biomarkers covered by this blood test cannot diagnose all forms of the disease, so the test may not provide you with a definitive answer. Complicating matters further, a gluten-free diet will often cause the levels of these biomarkers to normalize and for any damage done to the intestines to begin healing itself.

Suppose you’re already on a gluten-free diet, but your symptoms beforehand were generally mild. In that case, you may need to consume gluten again for several weeks before testing to see accurate results.48 To be safe, it’s a good idea to consult with your doctor or a dietician before returning gluten to your diet.

Diabetes test

Diabetes is a common yet serious chronic condition that results from your body either not making enough insulin or becoming resistant to it. Many people have blood sugar levels higher than the healthy range but not yet high enough to diagnose diabetes. This condition is known as pre-diabetes.49

The LetsGetChecked Diabetes Test ($89) measures your levels of HbA1c to evaluate your blood glucose level. A normal result will land between 4% and 5.6%. Doctors consider readings between 5.7% and 6.4% to be prediabetic and anything over 6.5% to be sufficient for a diabetes diagnosis.50 If your results land anywhere at or above the prediabetic range, it’s a good idea to make specific lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of developing the condition, including exercise and diet modifications.

Anyone who has overweight or obesity, diabetes symptoms, or a family history of Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes could be an ideal candidate for this blood test.

Diabetes and heart test

If you’d like a more comprehensive diabetes test that also assesses your cardiac health, then the Diabetes and Heart Test ($99) could be the one for you. In addition to the HbA1C, it also measures indicators of pre-diabetes and heart health: cholesterol, HDL, LDL, HDL percentage of total cholesterol, and lipoprotein (a) levels.

Lyme disease test

The Lyme Disease Test ($119) can detect a serious (but common) bacterial infection that you can contract by getting bitten by an infected tick.51

The first sign of infection is a distinctive target-shaped rash or painless area of redness that develops around the bite location within about a week. If you develop such a rash around a bite, testing for Lyme disease is a priority. However, the rash may not show up in every case. Often, people simply don’t notice it. Because of this, it’s important to be aware of the other symptoms of Lyme, which include fever, chills, headache, joint pain, swollen lymph nodes, and feeling tired or weak. These symptoms can occur anywhere between three and 30 days from the bite.52

More severe long-term symptoms can develop if left untreated, including Bell’s palsy (loss of movement on one side of the face), meningitis, joint pains, and heart palpitations.53 The illness can eventually cause paralysis of the lower limbs and neurological issues, which may be permanent.52

Unfortunately, Lyme disease is notoriously difficult to diagnose. This blood test looks for Borrelia IgM and IgG antibodies, which are markers of infection. We recommend going to your doctor if you have reason to believe you may have contracted Lyme, and especially if you receive a positive result from this test.

If you live in New York, you may have to go to your provider for Lyme disease testing, as both the LetsGetChecked and Everlywell Lyme tests aren’t permitted for use in the state.

Coronavirus testing

The LetsGetChecked Coronavirus Test ($109) detects SARS-CoV-2 with a lower nasal swab kit, giving you results in 24-72 hours. With your results, you’ll receive an official lab report, which you may need to prove a negative result for travel or particular events.

Despite the efficacy and safety of COVID-19 vaccines, breakthrough infections are still possible.54 And while many of those breakthrough infections are asymptomatic, infected persons can still transmit the disease. If you’ve been exposed to anyone known to have COVID-19, or you plan to travel or visit anyone unvaccinated or especially vulnerable, it’s ideal to get tested first.

LetsGetChecked also offers organizational COVID testing and can provide you with bulk quantities of tests for businesses, universities, and more.

LetsGetChecked has a few competitors that offer similar services to attain test results for everything from STDs to vitamin deficiencies and much more in between. There are some differences in test availability, cost, and results presentation that might influence you in one direction or another.

Our testers found LetsGetChecked to have the edge over much of the competition in terms of speed, but the convenience of dried blood sample collection used by many competitors, like MyLAB Box and Everlywell, far exceeds LetsGetChecked’s wet sample collection.

MyLAB Box

Similar to LetsGetChecked, the MyLAB Box laboratories are CLIA- and CAP-certified; certain positive STD results include a follow-up with a healthcare professional; and a majority of the tests are sold in bundles.

However, MyLAB Box has a much wider variety of tests — including ones for drugs, heavy metals, UTIs, HPV, skin vitality, metabolism, and others. There are also a few different COVID-19 tests: rapid antigen, a nasal swab, and a saliva test. While MyLAB Box does offer more tests overall than LetsGetChecked, certain tests are more limited. For instance, its herpes test only looks for genital herpes (HSV-2). Additionally, researchers recommend that heavy or “toxic metal” testing be performed only by doctors under special circumstances (like known exposures).56

Certain MyLAB Box tests are also much more expensive than the LetsGetChecked alternative. As an example, the former’s chlamydia and gonorrhea test bundle costs $179, while the latter’s Simple 2 panel for the same two STDs is $99.

Everlywell

Everlywell and LetsGetChecked are both at-home testing companies that have recently expanded into the telehealth space — offering consultations and treatments for a collection of conditions that they also test for. A major difference with Everlywell, though, is that the company accepts many major health insurance plans for its telehealth consultation services. With insurance, an Everlywell consultation runs from $10 to $50, depending on your plan, while the out-of-pocket cost is $59. This is $10 more than LetsGetChecked’s telehealth consultations.

Everlywell doesn’t offer a standalone herpes test or any test for hepatitis B. But, like myLAB Box, the company has several tests not included among LetsGetChecked’s selection, like food sensitivity, indoor and outdoor allergies, and peri- and post-menopause hormone tests.

Additionally, many of Everlywell’s tests are less expensive than those from LetsGetChecked. Using chlamydia and gonorrhea testing as an example again, Everlywell’s test costs $69, while LetsGetChecked’s Simple 2 panel is $99.

In-lab alternatives

If you’d rather not conduct sample collection yourself at home, there are a few different competitors that allow you to directly purchase lab orders and take them to nearby labs for sample collection.

STDcheck.com is worth mentioning for its superior HIV testing and focus on sexual health. To complete one of its tests, you order a kit and take it to one of 4,500 Labcorp or Quest Diagnostics locations across the U.S. This is similar to the process for tests from Walk-In Lab and HealthLabs — both of which offer tests in nearly every category you can think of.

Continuing with the chlamydia and gonorrhea test cost comparisons (LetsGetChecked’s is $99):

• STDCheck.com’s panel is $99
• Walk-In Lab offers it for $99 through Labcorp or $88 from Quest
• HealthLabs’ panel is also $99

If you’re unsure about completing tests at home, then these in-lab alternatives could be an equally (or more) cost-effective way to get the answers you’re looking for.