At-home wellness tests can help you uncover problems before they worsen.
Health testing during your annual doctor’s office physical is inconvenient, slow, quite limited, and sometimes expensive. Especially if you want any of the standard tests “not covered by insurance”.
Your results might come back “normal” even though you know there’s something off.
Or maybe you want to go beyond what’s “normal”, and slow the aging process. Or perform at your peak potential.
But there’s an issue.
Hundreds of companies now offer different home health kits and wellness testing. Many are borderline scams. Others are great for some people, but not others.
In this post, I’ll help you figure out which are the best at-home health testing kits for your specific needs.
Whether you’re looking for DNA testing, blood lab work, or gut microbiome tests, this review and comparison will help you make the optimal decision.
Deciding Which Key Health Tests Are Best For You
Whenever I work with clients, we design their ideal testing plan. Everyone should use one of the comprehensive blood testing services. Those are universally impactful tests, but you’re biochemically unique and may want specialty testing.
Core health, wellness, and performance tests include:
- DNA
- Blood
- Gut health
- Hormones
- Micro-nutrient evaluation
- Epigenetics
For hormones, we’ll want to check both salivary and urinary because they provide different snapshots. A well-designed health optimization plan should measure all of the above.
Then, depending on the person, their lifestyle, conditions, and test results, we’ll sometimes add:
- Hair tissue mineral analysis (HTMA)
- Organic acids test
- Immunity panel
- Epigenetic biomarker proxies
Hair mineral analysis is a fairly accurate way to understand longer-term exposure to toxicants (like heavy metals) and mineral deficiencies.
Checking for other toxicants like parasites is important too. Although it’s hard to detect parasites through these kits, it’s still a necessary step for effective parasite cleansing.
The organic acids test (OAT) is a diagnostic powerhouse, illuminating issues regarding mold, neurotransmitters, nutrient deficiencies, oxalates, and other plant defense compounds.
A comprehensive cytokine panel can help pinpoint the root cause of inflammation. This is among the most difficult to interpret and is only recommended for those willing to consult a health professional.
Overall, if you want to identify any underlying health issues, it all starts with understanding your current state first.
Specific Health Diagnostic Services & Tests
All-in-one health and wellness testing requires major infrastructure. The vast majority biotech brands specialize in a particular form of testing.
If you’re looking for a specific type of test, these are some of the best at-home and lab wellness tests available.
TruDiagnostic
Overview
Test Type: Epigenetic methylation (blood)
Biomarkers + Personalization: 850,000 loci analyzed
Available: Worldwide (most countries)
Optimal Frequency: 1X annual
Support: Phone, email
Notable: Most accurate proactive window into the functioning of your body
Typical Price + Discount: $439.12 using code URBAN
Impact: ☆☆☆☆
Overall Rating: 4.37
Founded by a team of longevity scientists in 2019, TruDiagnostic is the primary company building the anti-aging industry’s infrastructure. Rather than waiting decades to see the impact of health interventions, their technology displays near-real-time effects.
Your genes determine your potential, and your epigenome exposes how your lifestyle is actively shaping your healthspan.
Essentially, biological age testing highlights how your diet, supplement regimen, workout routine, or any other facet of your lifestyle actually impacts your unique constitution. Eliminating guesswork. The epigenetic methylation technology powering TruDiagnostic is the most accurate and reliable available.
Currently, TruDiagnostic is collaborating on 30+ clinical trials with:
- Duke
- Harvard
- Yale
- Cornell
- Medtronic
- UCSF
- UPenn
- Ohio State
This flagship test runs your blood sample through 850,000 “on and off switches” on your DNA. Then, computer learning and artificial intelligence help you prioritize where to focus.
2-3 weeks later, you’ll receive a detailed 85+ page report which breaks down every factor influencing your biological age and tips to reverse it.
If this is too much, they now offer a paired-down and more affordable version.
I use TruDiagnostic testing to proactively quantify how my current lifestyle and “healthy habits” are impacting my real-time well-being.
Use TruDiagnostic discount code URBAN for 10% off
Thorne
Overview
Test Type: Blood, stool, urine, saliva
Biomarkers + Personalization: 89 biomarkers
Available: Worldwide
Optimal Frequency: 1X annually
Support: Phone, email
Notable: Incredibly comprehensive and accurate premium blood panels
Typical Price + Discount: $830
Impact: ☆☆☆☆
Overall Rating: 4.29
Since their 1984 inception, Thorne has established itself as one of the premier supplement companies. Their products are lab-tested and guaranteed safe for sport. Making them one of the top choices for professional athletes and those that demand the very best.
In the past few years, they’ve begun providing health testing services as well. I first noticed this when researching the best biological age testing kits. Thorne now offers a wide variety of tests:
- Biological age testing (lab blood draw)
- Gut health testing (at home)
- Sleep testing (at home)
- Stress testing (at home)
- Fertility testing (at home)
- Weight management testing (at home)
Depending on the test, they utilize different sample types (blood, urine, saliva, stool) to get you the most relevant and accurate health snapshot. Most appealing, however, are the comprehensive health panels. These include:
- Advanced Health Panel
- Essential Health Panel
I’m particularly excited about the Advanced Health Panel, as it’s among the most thorough health panel I’ve come across. Not only do you get an industry-leading kit analyzing 89 different biomarkers, but you also get a beautiful report presenting the findings as well as a personalized improvement plan.
In addition to your results, they include your risk factors. Everything is displayed on your custom dashboard.
On top of that, Thorne accepts HSA/FSA. Although they offer multiple support channels, I couldn’t find any way to book a consultation with an expert. Though with their UI and biomarker descriptions, you probably won’t need it.
If you have the budget for a thorough blood test (89 biomarkers analyzed), certainly consider Thorne’s Advanced Health Panel.
Click the button to automatically unlock 15% off Thorne products (some exclusions apply)
Viome
Overview
Test Type: Gut microbiome (stool + blood samples)
Biomarkers + Personalization: 8 integrative health scores, 50+ subscores
Available: Worldwide
Optimal Frequency: 1-3X annual
Support: Phone, email
Notable: Uses AI to detect the activities of all kinds of microorganisms within your gut microbiome
Typical Price + Discount: $314.10 with code URBAN
Impact: ☆☆☆
Overall Rating: 3.95
Created by visionary entrepreneur Naveen Jain in 2016, Viome has become the go-to gut health (and now biological age) testing service for non-clinicians. Their team is composed of an impressive group of scientists, translational scientists, nutritionists, researchers, doctors, and advisors.
Unlike most microbiome testing companies, Viome has two distinct advantages. First, they use a special form of sequencing called metatranscriptomics (”shotgun sequencing”) to assess the presence AND activity of microorganisms within the gut microbiome.
Traditional testing uses 16S marker gene sequencing, which only measures microbial presence. 16S is cheaper, simpler, and most common but misses what you actually care about — how they’re affecting you.
Second, Viome’s well-credentialed team has built a powerful AI-driven platform based on the data of hundreds of thousands of real users. Giving them an unparalleled ability to predict and study exactly how the trillions of microorganisms interact with you (as the human host).
Their platform is being used clinically to better understand 20+ chronic disease states across thousands of participants.
Viome’s flagship product, their Full Body Intelligence Test, measures 50+ biomarkers of health status and biological age. After submitting your samples, you receive insights into the inner workings of your body.
Besides your scores, you’ll discover the contents and activity of viruses, bacteria, molds, yeast and other fungi, archaea, and eukaryotes.
Based on all your data, Viome recommends your unique “superfoods” and which foods to absolutely avoid. Should you choose, they can also customize supplements tailored to rebalancing your microbiome and body.
My experience with Viome’s support hasn’t been the best, and this one takes a little longer to get results.
If you suspect problems with microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, molds, yeast, fungi, etc) or unidentified food intolerances, Viome is a worthy candidate.
Use the exclusive Viome code URBAN for $110 off
Nutrisense
Overview
Test Type: Blood
Biomarkers + Personalization: Blood glucose
Available: USA
Optimal Frequency: 1-2X annual
Support: Email, chat
Notable: Concierge 24/7 blood sugar tracking to find “health foods” that derail your unique body & mind
Typical Price + Discount: $174—$325 using code URBAN
Impact: ☆☆☆☆
Overall Rating: 4.07
Launched in 2012 by a dedicated group of wellness enthusiasts, Nutrisense is a company that has mastered one particular test: glucose monitoring. Giving your scores 24/7, helping you optimize one of the most important biomarkers of performance, recovery, and longevity.
Usually, these devices are for diabetics looking to manage blood sugar and insulin levels. Nutrisense is one of several companies making “continuous glucose monitors for biohackers and health optimizers”.
I love a few things about Nutrisense. First, they’ve always led with competitive pricing. Second, the app is powerful and helps you actually use your data to make smarter decisions. Third, and most unique, Nutrisense offers a complimentary dietitian with your first order.
Now, I’ve been doing this for a while and know blood work well. I didn’t expect to use this perk. But my dietitian was proactive and reached out to me. She answered my questions and held me accountable when I had a holiday sugar binge (luckily I used blood sugar stabilizing supplements).
I expected to learn about the hidden sugars within my usual foods and condiments. Instead, I discovered the magnitude of the stress (that I “didn’t have”) and the immense power of walking to quickly and dramatically drop my blood sugar.
Someone from Nutrisense’s team of 70+ dietitians will hand-personalize a lifestyle plan adapted to you and your goals. Customizing meals, calorie intake, macronutrients, physical activity, and stress management recommendations.
Testing your lifestyle and eating habits is essential to uncover hidden things sabotaging your weight loss, athleticism, and cognitive performance — only Nutrisense offers deep customization with a real (FREE) dietitian.
Use the exclusive Nutrisense code URBAN for $25 off
Upgraded Formulas
Overview
Test Type: Hair
Biomarkers + Personalization: 21 biomarkers, personal consult
Available: Worldwide
Optimal Frequency: Ad-hoc (likely 2-4 tests)
Support: Phone, email
Notable: Highly accurate, thorough, and non-invasive test for deficiencies, toxicities, & more
Typical Price + Discount: $267.30 with code URBAN
Impact: ☆☆☆☆
Overall Rating: 4.0
Hair Mineral Analysis is an awesome way to detect toxicities and nutrient deficiencies. Created out of personal need by Chemical Engineer, Barton Scott, Upgraded Formulas specializes in Hair Analysis and carries the products needed to restore balance.
Upgraded Formulas is regularly featured in popular wellness media:
- Pompa
- WellnessForce
- PaleoFx
- Ben Greenfield
- Fit2Fat2Fit
- Luke Storey
- Kyle Kingsbury
- Health Optimisation Summit
Hair mineral analysis is famous for helping identify the root cause of issues.
Imbalances with these biomarkers can affect everything from hormone function to immunity, to metabolism. Such as:
- Vital minerals required for thousands of biochemical processes
- Environmental toxicities
- Energy generation
- Mood, focus, ambition
- Stress resiliency
Often times folks have too much of certain vitamins and minerals, and not enough of others. After the test, consultation, and necessary changes, many clients cut hundreds of dollars of supplements from their monthly regimen.
While you can get the hair mineral test alone for about half the price, your 40-minute consultation with an Upgraded Certified Nutritionist makes a huge difference for those new to lab work analysis. This expert will craft your game plan to address your specific needs.
Until you’re back in the optimal zone, you’ll want to re-test every 3-6 months to gauge progress and adapt.
This test is especially popular because it does not require a blood draw (potentially painful) or stool (awkward and gross) sample collection.
If you want an accurate, affordable, and non-invasive true at-home test for nutrients and toxicities, Upgraded Formulas Hair Test Kit + Consultation is your best option.
Use the exclusive Upgraded Formulas code URBAN for 10% off
imaware
Overview
Test Type: Blood
Biomarkers + Personalization: 9-10 biomarkers
Available: USA
Optimal Frequency: 1-2X annual
Support: Email
Notable: Simple and affordable true at-home blood testing panels
Typical Price: $169
Impact: ☆☆☆
Overall Rating: 3.85
Joining the industry in 2017, imaware is a newer company. They specialize in laboratory testing to monitor wellness. This brand began out of a need to modernize antiquated health testing options. imaware’s mission perfectly matches that of any health-optimizing bioharmonizer, “our goal is to empower people with better health data to prevent disease, improve performance, and ultimately live longer and happier lives.”
Their website is modern, and they have excellent educational content (check out their “health hacks”).
imaware features a highly credentialed medical team with training at Stanford Medicine, Harvard Medical School, UC SanDiego Health, Mount Sinai, University of Chicago and the Knight Cancer Institute.
This is another true at-home wellness testing service, and their core offerings include:
- Health & Wellness Panel
- Celiac Disease Panel
- Vitamin D Test
- Prediabetes / Diabetes Screening Panel
- Heart Health Panel
- Immunity Defense Panel
- Hormone Tests
Unfortunately, imaware only carries 11 total tests. Since it uses at-home blood testing technology, even its most comprehensive panels only measure 10 biomarkers. The reports you get back are fairly simple. You get an overview, details, test background, recommendations, and additional learning resources.
They use four unique blood collection methods to optimally preserve your sample (increasing the accuracy of your reports). imaware claims to have 250,000+ satisfied patients so far.
imaware prices are middle-of-the-road but these tests and panels often go on large sales (there’s a site-wide 20 percent off deal right now). Like many of the others on this list, imaware accepts HSA & FSA but not insurance.
I would go for imaware tests if you want a basic at-home panel and get it while on sale.
Base
Overview
Test Type: Blood, saliva
Biomarkers + Personalization: 19 biomarkers
Available: USA (currently)
Optimal Frequency: 1X annual
Support: Email
Notable: At-home health coaching program
Typical Price + Discount: $450 base bundle + $160.05 improvement program
Impact: ☆☆☆
Overall Rating: 3.8
Just under twenty years ago, Lola Priego created Base to simplify at-home health and wellness testing for the consumer. Without sacrificing data or the most impactful blood tests and panels.
They’ve been featured in:
- Forbes
- Vogue
- The New York Times
- Wall Street Journal
- WELL + GOOD
They offer two programs. The first and least advertised is their Personalized Starter Test which comes out to just $59.95.
Base’s flagship product is the Base Complete Bundle. This kit contains 8 tests that measure a combined 19 biomarkers. Each collects the most effective and accurate type of sample.
Though they accept HSA and FSA, at $450, it’s certainly not cheap. But here’s the thing. You’re required to enroll in the “2-Month Improvement Program” which includes 2 Goal retests, 2 Health coaching sessions, a custom nutrition & lifestyle plan, and grocery & product recommendations. This comes at the cost of an additional $160.05, making the total $610.05.
This service really is the closest you get to biomarker-based online health coaching. Viewed through that lens, $610 for the testing and two months of coaching isn’t a bad deal.
I recommend Base for those looking for an affordable at-home, data-driven health coaching service.
Use discount code URBAN to save 10%
Top Diagnostic Tests For Licensed Health Practitioners
Many of the most effective tools, tests, and services are only available to registered clinicians. Therefore, they’re unavailable to us consumers.
As you’ll see below, there are some examples and simple workarounds.
GI Map
GI-MAP is the original gut health test, and the only one approved by the FDA. It detects parasites, bacteria, fungi quantitatively, and more through the use of quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technology. Practitioners love it because it’s one of the few tests that actually quantify your results.
GI-MAP is used to understand all kinds of conditions:
- Autoimmune diseases
- IBS/IBD
- Digestive complaints, diarrhea or constipation
- Brain fog
- Skin problems, like acne and psoriasis
- Mood disorders, depression, and anxiety
- Diabetes and weight loss issues
The quantitative nature of the test makes it stand out to best understand the clinical significance of dysbiotic patterns and levels of pathogenic organisms.
Unfortunately, it’s only available to licensed health practitioners. Partially because GI-MAP results are challenging to interpret and use. I came across a few direct-to-consumer options, but I have not personally tested any of them:
Organic Acids Test (OAT)
Organic acids are chemical byproducts that result from metabolism and get excreted through the urine. The Organic Acids Test (OAT) gives a thorough metabolic snapshot of many factors impacting your overall health. Things like mold colonization, neurotransmitter imbalances, oxidative stress, vitamin & mineral deficiencies, oxalate issues, gut dysbiosis, and much more. Those with chronic illnesses or conditions excrete abnormal organic acids.
Some of the more common causes include antibiotic use, diets high in sugar, immune imbalance, prior infection, and genetic variations.
Basically, this is an excellent test for digging deeper into finding the root cause of conditions and symptoms.
OAT is usually only available to doctors. Some lab testing companies have gone direct to consumer. This service has a basic and also a comprehensive OAT.
BiomeFx
BiomeFx is a newer gut microbiome analysis company using industry-leading CosmosID®️ technology to sequence the whole genome. Several things make them stand apart. First, they differentiate between alpha-diversity (species within your own body) and beta-diversity (species compared to a healthy population). You also get reports and scores for Microbiome’s Resilience, Gut Infection Analysis with actionable steps to address issues, and disease risk correlation.
Using BiomeFx, you’ll learn your:
- Levels of 10 vital keystone species
- Levels of 34+ pathogens
- Existence of microbial cross-feeding relationships
- Analysis of 20+ microbiome functions
They also sell one of the only Vaginal Microbiome testing kits.
It’s still a very young company, but the technology, reports, and results look quite promising. The primary issue is that they’re not yet available to consumers.
Doctor’s Data
Established in 1972, Doctor’s Data is one of the most popular platforms health practitioners use to order lab tests. This is because they have a wide variety of tests and an online dashboard for medical providers to work with their patients.
Aside from that, there isn’t anything all that special about this service. It’s just good to know as you’ll come across the name often.
While Doctor’s Data has some proprietary tests, many can be found (and purchased) on other direct-to-consumer services.
At-Home Health Testing Services That I’m Evaluating
New testing kits and services constantly emerge. Here are a few of the ones I’ve come across but haven’t yet tested myself.
Bryan Johnson’s Blueprint Tests
Longevity enthusiast Bryan Johnson famously spends $2M annually on his routine. A big chunk of that goes to self-quantification and diagnostic testing. One of the standout features of this kit is that the biomarkers tested were selected by Bryan’s anti-aging doctors and experts.
The Blueprint Advanced Panel claims to test 108 biomarkers at 3,500 locations around the USA. Retailing for $575, it offers few—if any—advantages over my other recommendations.
Choosing the Best At-Home Biomarker Testing Service For Optimal Health
Health testing has tremendous value for prevention and early diagnostics.
Major technological advancements have made proactive health seamless and more affordable than ever.
A well-designed health optimization plan will include these testing categories:
- Wearable
- DNA
- Blood
- Gut
These are at the very core. Many of these tests are available online, and they ship at-home testing kits directly to your home.
Only then would I consider specialized testing.
Want comprehensive biomarker analysis? See my comparison of the best biomarker testing services.
Over to you.
What am I missing? What health optimization tests are your essentials? Drop a comment below and let’s start a conversation!
Hi Nick!
I just signed up with Mark Hyman’s Function Health. It’s new but any insight there? Also, just wondering if you’ve made any gains in treating your SIBO. I’m doing better, just started with Atrantil Pro and a new prokinetic and I think it’s making a difference!
Teresa
Hey Teresa!
Looks pretty cool. Good value for what they list also. How has that been going?
Congrats! I’ve gotten my SIBO under control by changing my diet, restarting Dr. William Davis’s Super Gut Yogurts, practicing GNM, and following some of Joel Greene’s protocols.