Skip to main content

How at-home lab testing works

The full at-home testing journey from ordering your kit to viewing results in your member portal.

R
Written by Riley Burcin

At-home lab testing lets you collect your own sample at home and mail it to a certified laboratory — no clinic visit, no appointment, no waiting room. This article walks you through the full journey, from placing your order to viewing your results in your member portal, so you know exactly what to expect at each step.

The full testing journey, step by step

Step 1: Order your test

You place your order through your test provider's website or member portal. After ordering, you will receive an order confirmation by email.

Step 2: Your kit ships to you

Your test kit will ship to the address you provided. You will receive two notifications:

  • A Kit Shipped notification with a tracking number when your kit leaves the facility.

  • A Kit Delivered notification when your kit arrives at your door.

If your kit does not arrive or your tracking shows no movement, contact our support team through chat.

Step 3: Register your kit

Before you collect your sample, register your kit using the QR code or registration link on your instruction card. Registration links your sample to your identity and allows a licensed physician to authorize your test order.

This step is required. Kits that are not registered cannot be processed by the laboratory. If you mail your sample before registering, the lab will hold it until registration is complete.

Step 4: Collect your sample

Follow the step-by-step instructions on the instruction card included in your kit. The collection method — and the materials in your kit — vary by test type. Common collection types include blood (finger-prick), saliva, urine, and swab. Always use the instruction card specific to your kit.

Step 5: Return your sample

Place your collected sample in the transport pouch (specimen bag) and seal it. Then place the sealed transport pouch inside the prepaid return mailer. Mail your sample on the same day you collect it. No postage is needed — the return mailer is pre-paid and pre-labeled.

If you cannot mail your sample the same day you collect it, contact our support team before mailing to discuss your options.

Step 6: Your sample travels to the lab

You will receive notifications at two points:

  • When your sample is in transit to the laboratory.

  • When your sample arrives at the laboratory.

Step 7: A physician reviews and authorizes results

Every order is authorized and reviewed by a licensed physician. When your results come back from the laboratory, the physician reviews them. If any result is critical or abnormal, the physician will contact you directly — you may receive a phone call.

Routine results typically do not involve a phone call, but the physician review happens on every single order.

Step 8: Results are ready to view

You will receive a notification when your results are available. Log in to your member portal or app to view them. Results are available in the member portal only — they are not sent by email or SMS.

What your results are for

Your test results are designed for wellness and health optimization: understanding your biomarkers, tracking changes over time, and having more informed conversations with your healthcare provider. Your results are not a medical diagnosis and do not replace the advice of your own healthcare provider.

Need more help?

If you have a question at any point in the process, contact our support team through chat. We will take care of it.

Did this answer your question?