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If you’re curious about at-home testing, Everlywell offers a variety of tests that may help you and your healthcare professional get to the bottom of any concerns.
Whether you’re dealing with chronic allergies or just curious about your body’s inner workings, it’s common to want to know everything you can about your health.
In-home health testing kits offer a convenient alternative to in-person tests for people who want easy to access, detailed health information.
But how accurate are these types of kits, and is the information provided useful?
Below, we dig into Everlywell home health testing kits. We’ll take a look at how they work, which tests are offered, and whether these tests can take the place of regular doctor visits.
Everlywell is a health-testing company based in Austin, Texas, that was started in 2015. The company ships in-home testing kits directly to customers.
Customers take samples themselves using the provided materials and drop them in the mail using included prepaid expedited packaging. The company delivers results quickly using a secure platform.
Everlywell offers 32 different tests, including those for:
First, you’ll choose a test. After you request your kit, your order will be reviewed and approved by a board certified doctor in your state. You should receive it in the mail within 5–10 business days.
You’ll have 5 months to use the kit before the doctor approval expires.
2. Take your samples
The kit will come with detailed directions and all the equipment you need to take samples at home. Depending on the test, you may need to take a blood, stool, saliva, or urine sample.
Everlywell has several online videos to show you how to take samples correctly at home. They also provide support if you have any questions or concerns after you receive your kit.
3. Send your samples to the lab
Each testing kit comes with a plastic biohazard bag and a prepaid shipping label so you can easily send your samples in for testing. You’ll write your name, collection time, and collection date on the bag.
If you’re taking samples for several tests, you may need to use separate bags. Check that the correct shipping labels are on each package, as not all samples go to the same lab for testing.
Put the package(s) in a USPS drop box to send the samples off for testing. Everlywell says the samples usually take about 2–3 days to arrive at labs.
4. Get your results online
It takes about 5 business days to receive your results, but processing times may vary, and some tests may take longer. You’ll get an email when the results are ready, and you can access the information via your Everlywell account.
Some tests come with telehealth consultations with a doctor. You can also share results with your doctor.
Everlywell states that they are Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) compliant and takes privacy very seriously. They don’t share your results with anyone unless you provide authorization.
Tests are only for adults. Everlywell is not able to provide testing to anyone under the age of 18.
Everlywell is a good option for people who want personal health information at their fingertips. It’s a convenient way for busy people to receive discreet test results.
While it’s not a substitute for talking with a doctor, it can be a good starting point for discussing your overall health with one.
The cost of Everlywell tests varies considerably. Here’s a quick rundown of the cost range for each category:
general wellness: $49–$259
men’s health: $49–$249
women’s health: $49–$249
energy and weight: $49–$99
sexual health: $49–$149
Everlywell sometimes offers discounts on their testing kits. They also have a membership program where you pay $24.99 a month to get a testing kit every month. The $14.99 plan allows you to receive a monthly STI test of your choice.
You can also use a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) to pay for at-home health tests from Everlywell. Some plans may be stricter than others about what they allow, though.
Many health insurance companies won’t cover this type of in-home testing, including Medicare and Medicaid plans. Some insurance companies may only cover certain types of testing offered by Everlywell.
Pricing guide
Below, we’ll take a closer look at each type of Everlywell test. Prices are referenced as follows:
You can buy testing kits directly from Everlywell on the company’s website.
You can also buy some kits from Walmart and Amazon. However, not all kits are available from these retailers. Prices may vary from what you see on Everlywell’s site.
Super convenient: There’s no need to leave your home, except to mail your kit back for testing.
Information at your fingertips: The brand offers a wide array of tests to check for different health issues, including allergies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Cons
Expensive: It turns out there’s a premium associated with convenience. A test from Everlywell won’t necessarily cost less than a regular doctor’s visit and lab tests paid through insurance. However, they may be comparable to labs done through your regular doctor without insurance.
Not for the faint of heart: Everlywell doesn’t send a nurse along to take samples for their tests. You’ll need to do the work yourself, so this isn’t a good choice if you don’t like needles.
Limited evidence for certain tests: Some of the testing that Everlywell offers is controversial. For example, there’s a lack of evidence to support the method used for testing food sensitivities.
Everlywell has only been around since 2015. They have a pretty solid reputation, but they’ve received criticism about their controversial food sensitivity testing.
On the plus side, they use Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certified labs. This regulatory body ensures that labs conduct quality testing, regular inspections, lab quality improvement studies, and more.
Generally, people have many positive things to say about Everlywell. Customers say the at-home testing experience is easy and getting results back is quick and efficient. Several reviewers also say they appreciated the ability to talk with a healthcare professional to discuss their results.
However, there are some negative reviews. Some reviewers say they had trouble drawing enough blood for the tests. Others experienced delays in processing, lost packages, problems reaching customer support, and sample size issues.
Many people also cite concerns about testing accuracy. Some reviewers even experienced false negatives for conditions they later tested positive for, including STIs.
A single test may not be as accurate as versions you might obtain in a medical setting. And some tests are more beneficial when combined with a physical exam and evaluation of your medical history by a health professional.
What affects accuracy?
Sample collection and the sample itself can affect test results.
Before ordering a test online, read any information available, including from customer service representatives, to understand what kind of sample is needed (such as saliva, blood, urine, or stool), the tools provided in the kit, and what you’ll need to do to collect your sample.
Why is Everlywell not allowed in New York state?
Except for the COVID-19 kits, Everlywell test kits are not available to ship to New York state because of state regulations around testing.
Are Everlywell tests FDA approved?
Most Everlywell tests are not FDA approved. However, the company’s COVID-19 test received an EUA from the FDA.
Does Everlywell share your data?
According to Everlywell’s website, the company is legally required to report certain infectious diseases, including STIs, to state health authorities for disease tracking.
Outside of this standard state health reporting, Everlywell or its partners will not share your results for anything else.
Can home test kits replace a doctor’s visit?
Whether you get a blood test at a hospital or via an in-home testing kit like Everlywell, it’s essential to talk with a doctor about your results. A healthcare professional is qualified to interpret your results and compare them against your medical history and previous results.
We also don’t recommend relying on in-home testing, particularly inaccurate IgG testing, for suspected food sensitivity issues. If you think you may have a food sensitivity, talk with a doctor.
That said, home testing kits can provide you with valuable insights that can help you take charge of your health. Just be sure you don’t rely on them as a replacement for a doctor’s visit.
Can children use Everlywell tests?
No. You must be 18 years or older to use these tests.
How long does it take for results to come back?
According to Everlywell, users should expect to receive digital results back within days.
Having your health information at your fingertips can be empowering and exciting, but it’s still important to be cautious. If you use a home test kit, be sure to talk with a doctor about your results. Don’t assume you can interpret the results on your own.
Steph Coelho is a freelance writer with chronic migraine who has a particular interest in health and wellness. When she’s not click-clacking away on her keyboard, she’s probably nose-deep in a good book.
Last medically reviewed on June 27, 2023
How we reviewed this article:
Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
