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Our Verdict
Thanks to technological advancements, a wide range of diagnostic home testing is available, and LetsGetChecked is one competitor in the global diagnostic market. The company offers more than 30 home diagnostic tests in the categories of sexual health, women’s health, men’s health, wellness and coronavirus.
Key Features
- Easy-to-use tests allow users to collect samples at home
- Confidential results reviewed by a physician and delivered within two to five days
- In-house clinical team provides around-the-clock guidance and support
Peter Foley founded LetsGetChecked in 2015 to bring health care directly into peoples’ homes. After experiencing a health problem that went undetected for months due to long turnaround times for test results, multiple doctor visits and high costs, Foley said he wanted to provide a better and easier way to diagnose health concerns.
“Our mission is to empower people to live longer, happier lives by providing the tools to manage health from home through direct access to diagnostic testing, virtual care and medication delivery for a wide range of health and wellness conditions,” said Foley.
LetsGetchecked has delivered more than 7 million tests to date, according to Foley, who says the company has partnered with more than 300 corporations to expand its testing services to employees. “Over the past few years, the company has grown upward of 18,000%,” he says.
LetsGetChecked at a Glance
- Cost: LetsGetChecked offers both one-time purchases and subscription services. According to the website, prices for test kits start at $69 and depend on the number of tests you buy. You can bundle tests for a discount or subscribe to have tests delivered at intervals to keep track of specific health markers like cholesterol or hormone levels, according to the company.
- Accuracy of results: LetsGetChecked uses CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited labs in the U.S., according to Foley. The accreditation means these laboratories have passed standards set by the the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) which are regulated by FDA, Center for Medicaid Services (CMS), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)[1] and the College of American Pathologists (CAP)[2]. In Europe, tests are analyzed by INAB-approved and ISO 15189 accredited labs. According to the Irish National Accreditation Board (INAB), certification ensures that certificates and test results are acceptable worldwide and meet European regulatory standards[3].
- Support Services: LetsGetChecked has a team of nurses available 24/7, and a physician reviews all test results. A nurse will call if an infection or adverse health condition is detected to discuss treatment options and provide support.
Types of LetsGetChecked Tests
LetsGetChecked tests fall into five categories: sexual health, female health, male health, wellness and coronavirus.
Sexual Health
LetsGetChecked offers the following tests for those who are sexually active, have had unprotected sex or believe they may have been exposed to infection.
Each test is conducted with a finger prick, urine sample or both, and results are available within two to five days. Packaging is discreet and confidential. If necessary, the company will send prescription medication directly to your home as well.
Female Health
LetsGetChecked offers a range of hormone tests (including ovarian reserve and comprehensive female hormone tests) for women curious about their fertility and haven’t been on hormonal contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy for three months. The company also provides tests for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)—one of the most common hormonal disorders in women of reproductive age—and vaginal bacterial infections.
LetsGetChecked prescribes common birth control options as well as medications (if necessary) for positive vaginitis or bacterial vaginosis results.
Female health tests require a finger prick, saliva sample or vaginal swab.
Male Health
LetsGetChecked reports that healthy sperm counts have dropped by 50% in the last 40 years, according to a study conducted on men from North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, which also found that hormonal imbalances and reduced testosterone have become a leading health concern for men[4].
The company’s website says symptoms of hormonal imbalances in men may include low energy, fatigue, erectile dysfunction, low sex drive, infertility, obesity, anxiety, depression, bloating, headaches, blurred vision, loss of bone density or reduced hormone production from the pituitary gland, which can be detected by a thyroid test.
They also recommended testing to anyone going through chemotherapy or radiation, as well as men with type 1 or type 2 diabetes or other concerns like chronic stress, thyroid disorder or kidney or liver disease, according to the website.
Wellness
LetsGetChecked wellness tests range from $69 to $149 and cover a broad spectrum of health concerns, including:
- Colon cancer
- Diabetes
- Cholesterol
- Heart health
- Cortisol
- Kidney function
- Liver function
- Thyroid health
- Lyme disease
- Celiac disease
- Micronutrient deficiencies
- Mineral levels, including magnesium, selenium, copper and zinc
For those whose cholesterol level indicates they may need treatment, the company offers a Cholesterol CarePathway for $39 per month, which includes medication, regular testing, ongoing guidance by a nurse team and helpful lifestyle resources.
Coronavirus
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted emergency use authorization for LetsGetChecked’s coronavirus test. According to the company, samples are analyzed in its lab using RT-PCR/TMA to confirm the presence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), “RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction) relies on its ability to amplify a tiny amount of viral genetic material in a sample and is the gold standard for identification of SARS-CoV-2 virus.”
The NIH also says TMA testing (Transcription-Mediated Amplification) which amplifies specific regions of either RNA or DNA from the virus is a reliable detection method[5].
The test costs $119, and results are available within 24 to 72 hours once arriving at the laboratory. You’ll receive an official lab report in your LetsGetChecked account dashboard, and you can speak with the company’s health experts at any time.
Order a test at least five days before a flight if you need proof of a negative result before you plan to travel.
The Cost of LetsGetChecked
LetsGetChecked home health tests are comparable in price to other popular home diagnostic companies. The company says tests generally arrive at a laboratory within three to five business days, depending on the consumer’s location. Express shipping costs extra, and these tests arrive at a lab within one to two business days.
What Experts Say
“I think the movement toward more advanced home testing is beneficial in terms of looking at things other than just traditional panels done with your primary care doctor,” says Ryan Greene, D.O., medical director of Monarch Athletic Club, a concierge medical practice in West Hollywood, California. He uses hormone tests similar to those LetsGetChecked offers for his patients who might not be achieving their desired health results by following a diet and exercise program.
“A lot of people get frustrated if they’re doing everything right but their hormone health is not optimized or is out of balance, whether that’s the thyroid or sex-based hormones,” says Dr. Greene. “Getting a comprehensive hormone panel can help uncover more of what’s going on.”
Knowing what to do with the information you receive is essential, says Dr. Greene. “The fact that LetsGetChecked has a medical support team to review the information and discuss next steps or recommend follow-up care is critical,” he adds.
Some conditions like erectile dysfunction (ED) are easily treated with prescription medication, but they can signal a more serious problem. The American Heart Association says ED can be an early warning sign of heart disease, and men with ED are more likely to experience a heart attack, stroke or cardiovascular death.
Home testing is the way of the future, says Matt Binnicker, Ph.D., director of clinical virology at the Mayo Clinic. “LetsGetChecked’s options provide users with flexibility and convenience, but it’s important to be aware of the limitations,” he says. “Some infectious diseases are easier and more accurate to detect than others through a urine, swab or blood sample.”
“Convenience doesn’t always equate to accuracy, so make sure you’re careful and follow the directions to the letter,” he adds “Even then, transportation temperatures and timeliness can influence the results.”
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On LetsGetChecked's Website
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are LetsGetChecked tests covered by insurance?
No, LetsGetChecked tests are not covered by insurance. However, the company accepts many flexible spending account (FSA) and health savings account (HSA) cards, which can be used the same way a debit or credit card would be used at checkout, according to the company website.
Are LetsGetChecked tests accurate?
LetsGetChecked says their tests are the same ones you’d use at a health care facility and are collected with the same methods (urine, blood, stool or swab). Samples are sent to CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited laboratories in the U.S. and ISO 15189-accredited laboratories in the U.K.
Are LetsGetChecked tests easy to use?
LetsGetChecked sends detailed instructions with every test and provides how-to videos on its app and website. Kits come with everything needed to collect a sample and send it to a laboratory.
Many tests require collecting your sample in the morning and mailing it back before 10 a.m. Results are available in your LetsGetChecked account dashboard within two to five business days.