Ordering your own lab tests

Save hundreds on lab tests? How to shop around...

Sep 07, 2023

Hi there,

This week's new article is a departure from my usual deep dive into health research. Instead, it's a practical look at how to order your own lab work.

I don't want to say that ordering lab tests in the US is a scam or anything... But there is a huge difference in what you pay for the same test if it is ordered through your doctor, paid for by insurance, or ordered from one of the many companies online. While it may not matter too much if you're just ordering one test, if you're having multiple lab tests done, the price differences can really add up!

You'll see in the article that there's up to a threefold difference in price for the same tests between the five online companies used for the examples! And that was without taking into account any coupons, sales, or other discounts. While the article links are specific to US lab testing, I wanted to encourage people in other countries to see what their options are as well. In the UK and EU, there are quite a few options available for ordering your own blood tests as well.

Coming up next week: A new article on the genetic variants that increase the relative risk of hot flashes in menopause.

Gratefully yours,

Debbie

A quick note about the article links: They are there for your convenience --not affiliate links, nor an endorsement. Genetic Lifehacks is member supported, which keeps it free of ads or financial bias.

Ordering Lab Tests On Your Own

Genetics can tell you what you are likely to be susceptible to, such as high cholesterol or low folate. But in most situations, diet and lifestyle factors interact with genes.

The best way to know if a genetic variant is affecting you is to see where you stand with a blood test. For many people, seeing their doctor is the best way to get tested. If you have Medicare or a great insurance plan that covers everything, your doctor’s office is the way to go.

But what if you’re uninsured or have a high deductible? Or if your doctor won’t order a test you want?

In the US (except NY, NJ, and MD), you can order your own lab tests and have them done through LabCorp, Quest, or other lab testing companies.

There are a number of online companies that facilitate this process. However, they all have different prices for the same tests. There is a variable markup on lab tests, and prices depend on the volume the company orders.

Once you have the test done, you can take the results to your doctor to discuss. Be sure to keep track of your results as well.

Testing Companies for Ordering Lab Tests:

I’m going to give you some scenarios below with pricing from some of the online lab ordering places, including Ulta Lab Tests, Own Your Labs, Walk-in Labs, Request-a-Test, and Direct Labs. LabCorp has an ordering portal to order directly from them, but they have a very limited number of tests at this time.

Blood draw:
Be sure to check with the company to find out where to get the blood drawn. Most will send you to a LabCorp or Quest office, but sometimes there are other options. Also check to see if there is a charge for the blood draw (usually not if it is at LabCorp or Quest).

Coupons:
Some of these testing companies offer coupons or frequent sales, so look for current coupon codes. Sign up for UltaLab’s email newsletter, if you decide to go with them. They send out coupon codes regularly.

Shop around:
I’m using the 5 companies below to illustrate the range of prices. This is not an exhaustive list, nor is it a recommendation to use any particular company. Shop around, see what works best for your situation, and find a company you feel comfortable using.

Scenario 1: Lipiprotein(a)

Say, for example, you read the lipoprotein(a) article and realize that you carry a variant that makes high Lp(a) levels likely and is a significant risk factor for heart attacks. The only way to know if your Lp(a) level is high is to get it tested...

Here is the range of prices (as of Sept. 2023) for the lipoprotein(a) test from online lab companies.

Ulta Lab Tests: $29.00
Own your labs: $30.80
Walk-in Labs: $55.00
Request-a-test: $55.00
Direct Labs: $59.00

New on Longevity Lifehacks:

Adult Neurogenesis: Stimulating the olfactory bulb and generating new neurons
Check out my new article on why smelling different odors may help with brain function. I dig into the new research on how new neurons are formed in the brain and the role of the olfactory bulb.

What I've been reading:

1. Longevity gene from naked mole rats extends lifespan of mice
Naked mole rats live a lot longer than they should for their body size (up to 30 years!) Researchers at the University of Rochester transferred a 'longevity gene' from naked mole rats into mice. The mice then had a longer lifespan, and, more importantly, longer resistance to age-related diseases.

The 'longevity gene' that they cloned from the naked mole rats was one that increased the synthesis of hyaluronic acid. While you may be familiar with hyaluronic acid from expensive wrinkle creams, there is a bunch of new research on how it reduces inflammation throughout the body and improves gut barrier function.

2. Paper straws contain 'forever chemicals', so may not be better than plastic ones
The headline of this article caught my eye, mainly because I don't like drinking from paper straws...

Researchers found that 90% of paper straw brands tested contained PFAS (perfluoroalkyl substances). What is missing from the headline, though, is that 80% of bamboo and 75% of plastic straw brands also tested positive for PFAS. The study also found that the straws contained ultra-short chain PFAS, which is water soluble.

3. Clotting proteins linked to Long Covid's brain fog

This Science article explains a new research study on people with continuing brain fog after being hospitalized with COVID-19 early in the pandemic. "Analyzing data for more than 1800 patients, the team found that people who had higher than average levels of fibrinogen in their blood when they were hospitalized later scored worse on tests measuring skills such as memory and attention, and rated their general cognitive abilities as poorer in questionnaires."

Read more about genetics and fibrinogen