People who are proactive about their wellness have spoken—they want greater control over their health care. Direct-to-consumer (DTC) laboratory testing is a rapidly growing path to achieve this goal of empowerment. By sending in a sample of blood, saliva or urine, people can explore everything from genetic traits to early biomarkers of disease to hormone levels. Note that availability of DTC tests varies from state to state.
GENETIC TEST
TEST TO TRY: Pathway Genomics. Founded in 2008, Pathway Genomics is a well-established company that offers a comprehensive array of user-friendly genetic risk profiles. Tissue samples are obtained by scraping the inside of the mouth; samples are then analyzed for dozens of genetic variants. Each profile includes a detailed action plan describing the potential health risks (or benefits) associated with each trait.
COST: PathwayFIT profile: $299 (identifies 41 genetic traits involved with dietary choices, eating behaviors, optimal exercise regimens, metabolic health factors and nutritional needs). SkinFIT profile: $199 (identifies 23 genetic traits associated with skin health, including photoaging, elasticity, moisture factors and nutritional needs). Cardiac DNA Insight: $399 (identifies 23 traits associated with common heart-related health conditions, such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, arrhythmias and venous blood clots).
ESTIMATED TURNAROUND: 3–4 weeks
WHERE TO PURCHASE: pathway.com
BIOMARKER TEST
TEST TO TRY: WellnessFX. Uses a blood sample (obtained from a scheduled visit to a phlebotomist) to analyze up to 92 blood markers. Determines nutritional deficiencies (iron, vitamin D, magnesium, B vitamins) or assesses risk of cardiovascular, diabetic or inflammatory conditions; high cholesterol; or thyroid disorders. For help with interpretation, an additional consultation can be scheduled with a licensed health care professional.
COST: $78 for blood glucose, lipids, thyroid and complete blood count. $198 for Performance Panel of 53 markers.
ESTIMATED TURNAROUND: 7–10 days
WHERE TO PURCHASE: wellnessfx.com
(DUTCH) DRIED URINE TEST FOR COMPREHENSIVE HORMONES
TEST TO TRY: Precision Analytical. For well-informed consumers seeking a complete assessment of their reproductive, thyroid and adrenal hormones, this test has it all. It has the added advantage of being based entirely on dried urine—a plus for those squeamish about collecting blood or saliva samples. DUTCH testing is particularly recommended for women on long-term hormone replacement therapy.
COST (DUTCH Complete): $399
ESTIMATED TURNAROUND: 3–4 weeks
WHERE TO PURCHASE: dutchtest.com
ADRENAL HORMONE TEST
TEST TO TRY: ZRT Labs. Adrenal disorders can result from chronic stress, overexertion, lack of sleep or unhealthy lifestyles. Using saliva samples collected over a 24-hour period, the “adrenal stress profile” assesses a person’s response to stress by measuring the hormones cortisol and DHEA. Numerous published studies have confirmed the validity of this test. ZRT Labs is one of the pioneers in home testing.
COST: $144.99
ESTIMATED TURNAROUND: 1–2 weeks
WHERE TO PURCHASE: zrtlab.com
THYROID PROFILE
TEST TO TRY: Everly Well. Thyroid disorders are exceedingly common and can cause a wide range of symptoms, from fatigue to anxiety. This at-home blood test uses a simple fingertip stick to detect abnormal thyroid-hormone levels.
COST: $159
ESTIMATED TURNAROUND: 1–2 weeks
WHERE TO PURCHASE: everlywell.com
HEAVY METALS AND NUTRIENT ELEMENTS TEST
TEST TO TRY: Thorne. Uses a few drops of blood collected at home by fingertip stick to measure levels of the most common toxic metals we encounter, including mercury, cadmium and lead, along with the essential elements zinc, copper, magnesium and selenium. Report includes advice about reducing exposure and what to do for potentially toxic levels.
COST: $165
ESTIMATED TURNAROUND: 3–5 days
WHERE TO PURCHASE: thorne.com
INFLAMMATION TEST
TEST TO TRY: LetsGetChecked. C-reactive protein is a well-known inflammation marker. The liver makes it in response to tissue injury, and levels can increase after a sprained ankle, or with a respiratory infection, periodontal disease or excessive body fat. Chronic low-level elevations of CRP have been associated with an increased risk of heart disease. CRP can be measured at home using a few drops of blood. Repeat tests can be taken to determine response to diet or anti-inflammatory supplements.
COST: $59
ESTIMATED TURNAROUND: 5 days
WHERE TO PURCHASE: letsgetchecked.com
VITAMIN D TEST
TEST TO TRY: Vitamin D Research Council. The heavy use of sunscreens and fear of skin cancer has led to widespread vitamin D deficiency, even in sunny, southern states. Insufficient vitamin D increases the risk of bone loss, metabolic issues and cancer. Vitamin D levels can now be measured at home using a few drops of blood from a fingertip stick.
COST: $58
ESTIMATED TURNAROUND: 3–4 weeks
WHERE TO PURCHASE: vitamindcouncil.org
