LetsGetChecked review – Are tests at home worth the cost?

LetsGetChecked Review Summary

LetsGetChecked is a company that sells at-home lab tests that measure various biomarkers, such as cholesterol, vitamin D, and hemoglobin. Learn more in our LetsGetChecked review!

Nebula Genomics

Results

Price

Ease of access

Summary

LetsGetChecked offers at-home testing kits for sexual health and general wellness. The company allows patients to access these health assessments without a doctor’s visit. Products are not costly, but they can get pricey if ordered individually instead of bundled.

4.3

7 Facts from our LetsGetChecked Review

1. Location: Head Offices in New York, NY; Monrovia, California; Danvers, Massachusetts; Jupiter, Florida; and Dublin, Ireland. Tests are processed at different labs depending on the type and customer location. All labs are CLIA-certified, CAP-accredited, CPA, and/or INAB approved
2. Products: A wide range of specific tests for sexual health, general wellness, Men’s and Women’s health, and Coronavirus
3. How it works: Customers order an at-home test kit, ship samples, and receive results from LetsGetChecked nurses
4. Ordering: You can order online at letsgetchecked.com or amazon.com; also available at some retail stores and pharmacies like CVS and Walmart
5. Reports: Returns biomarker levels associated with health conditions and general wellness; reviewed by physicians with 24/7 treatment support provided by nursing staff
6. Cost: Individual tests start at $69, with options to bundle multiple or subscribe for repeat testing at a discounted rate
7. Complementary products: Nebula Genomics Whole Genome Sequencing with weekly updated reports

This review is written with the intent to be as unbiased as possible. However, it represents the opinion of an individual reviewer and is therefore subjective. Furthermore, at Nebula Genomics we seek to educate the public about the benefits of Whole Genome Sequencing. Information about our Whole Genome Sequencing DNA test is therefore incorporated into the review.

April 20, 2023

Edited by Christina Swords, Ph.D.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• 34 products available for home testing without requiring a doctor’s office visit
• Fast results (2-5 business days)
• Easy to access reports on all devices
• Mobile app with third-party integration for more comprehensive health tracking
• Results are delivered electronically by a member of the medical team
• Subscriptions are available for repeat testing at a sizable discount
• LetsGetChecked coronavirus testing available for the United States and the United Kingdom individuals

Cons

• Less pre-purchase guidance than some services
• Coronavirus testing does not indicate immunity or antibodies
• Does not accept insurance as payment
• Limited medical guidance

Introduction

LetsGetChecked (aka Lets Get Checked) is a diagnostic health testing company that focuses on fertility, sexual health, cancer screening (including a colon cancer screening test), female hormone tests, male hormone tests, and wellness testing. The company currently serves over 30 markets and has performed nearly 3 million tests. 

Learn more about colon cancer genetic testing in our special hereditary cancer series!

Founded in 2014 by Peter Foley, the company’s goal is to connect customers to LetsGetChecked at-home health testing directly through lab tests. This is particularly useful for those who want to save time by avoiding a visit clinic or don’t want to wait to speak to a doctor. Founder David Foley describes this as cutting out the middleman and simplifying the laboratory testing process.

LetsGetChecked offers 34 at-home testing products that use blood, urine, vaginal swab, nasal swab, or stool samples to test for certain health conditions. Many products like the liver test, kidney test, diabetes test, and testosterone levels are single test kits. Others combine several related tests, like the Standard 5 STD test, which includes Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Trichomoniasis, HIV, and Syphilis. The testing process is discreet and can be done at home. 

The tests

Each test kit includes sample collection tools, video, easy to follow instructions, and prepaid return-shipping labels. The test kits are produced by LetsGetChecked and are sent to CLIA, CPA, INAB approved, and/or CAP-accredited labs. Results are reviewed within 2-5 business days by a medical team. 

Results are delivered to customers by a nurse who can answer any questions. After creating an account, results can also be accessed through LetsGetChecked’s secure platform from any device or the mobile app. 

Review of LetsGetChecked’s Science: Biomarkers

LetsGetChecked, like many competing at-home health and wellness testing companies, uses biomarkers to analyze health conditions. Biomarkers are organic substances, such as metabolites or hormones, that can identify diseased states in a patient and track various conditions like liver and kidney function or vitamin/mineral deficiencies (Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D). To measure the relevant biomarkers, most tests sold by LetsGetChecked require a small blood sample. However, some tests can be done with only a urine sample or vaginal swab.

Taking a LetsGetChecked Test

LetsGetChecked offers a wide range of single-focus and bundled home testing kits. If customers know what they would like tested, it is easy to select the tests they want and have them sent Express (1-2 business days) or Standard to their door. 

Some tests provide a single result. For example, the folate test only analyzes folate serum, and the cortisol test only looks at stress. To guide customers, LetsGetChecked has made collections for some specific concerns like the Home Female Fertility Testing (which includes three tests – Female Hormone, Ovarian Reserve, and Progesterone tests), the Home Vitamin Deficiency Testing, or the Standard 5 STD package. Customers are advised to consult a health professional before deciding which tests they want (though a prescription is not required to order any of these tests).

Once a test kit is shipped, customers can start tracking their orders. Orders are shipped daily and will arrive in “discreet” packaging to maintain customer privacy. 

What’s inside the testing kit

Inside the package, customers will find an activation code to register the test kit. They will also be required to answer a few health-related questions. This allows the LetsGetChecked health team to provide personalized support and health recommendations. It is important to note that the company’s Terms of Service state that “THE PRODUCTS AVAILABLE THROUGH THE SITE ARE FOR GENERAL GUIDANCE ONLY AND ARE NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE.”

After registering and activating the kit online, customers take the required samples. Many of the tests require a blood sample. Others require urine, fecal, vaginal swab, or nose swab samples. 

LetsGetChecked recommends the testing process be done in the morning so that samples may be sent back for analysis as soon as possible. All health tests include a prepaid shipping label that can be tracked. Labs are CLIA, CPA, INAB approved, and/or CAP accredited. For safe shipping, a biohazard bag is provided. 

Results are obtained between 2-5 business days after the lab receives the kit. A member of LetsGetChecked’s medical team reviews the results, and one of its nurses contacts the customer to discuss results and next steps, which may include lifestyle changes to improve health, and in some cases, prescription recommendations. Results are also made available through the company’s website and mobile app.

Review of LetsGetChecked Products

LetsGetChecked offers 34 different products to assess various health characteristics based on biomarkers. Some of these tests are available in bundles, ultimately saving you money compared to purchasing them individually. We will cover a sampling of the wellness tests.

Coronavirus Testing

General Wellness (including Lyme disease)

Women’s Health

Men’s Health

Sexual Health – Panels

Sexual Health – Individual Tests

Review of a LetsGetChecked Reports

Overview 

The LetsGetChecked reports describe levels of specific biomarkers measured in the customer’s sample that is related to the various health characteristics. When the results are ready, a digital report is made available, and a registered nurse contacts customers to discuss how the results may affect the customer’s health. A live chat is also available 24/7 with LetsGetChecked’s medical team to discuss how to improve or maintain healthy biomarker levels.

Review of LetsGetChecked at-home STD testing (and other detection tests)

The sexual health tests by LetsGetChecked are popular because of their simplicity and privacy. In many cases, customers only need to know if something was “Detected” or “Not Detected.” The online (and mobile app) reports exactly that, with some additional contextual information. An example of the results is shown below:

Consistent with the subscription model, LetsGetChecked saves previous test results to compare with overtime, and like all of the tests, positive results are delivered to customers by a nurse who can help explain the next steps.

Review of LetsGetChecked tests with result ranges (essential vitamin, hormonal health, cholesterol, etc.)

Many LetsGetChecked tests provide the actual biomarker measurements from the tested samples. This is important when results are more nuanced than detected or not detected. For these tests, normal ranges for the customer (according to the personal health questionnaire) are displayed with the customer’s actual results on their personalized dashboard. An example of this is shown below:

These sorts of tests are where the subscription option shines. In many cases, customers will want to track the levels of biomarkers over time. With LetsGetChecked’s digital interface, it is easy to observe changes in biomarkers as customers attempt treatment. 

LetsGetChecked at-home COVID-19 test

LetsGetChecked was one of the first at-home Coronavirus test kits to get emergency use authorization from the FDA. The cost is currently $109, which includes all postage, processing, diagnosis, and materials. The company claims to be selling COVID-19 tests at cost. 

The test consists of online screening and sample collection via a nasal swab (a less uncomfortably deep swap than what is administered in clinics). The sample will be processed and customers will receive a digital report within 24-48 hours.

A telehealth consultation is available free of charge once the results are received. The test analyzes the presence or absence of RNA from the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. This kit is most relevant for those experiencing symptoms.

Interested in COVID-19 travel tests? Kurix Health and Project Screen offer special testing meeting requirements for departing and arriving in the UK.

Payments and Insurance

LetsGetChecked tests cost between $49 and $349. However, many customers will be interested in combining several. It’s important to note that the tests are usually not covered by insurance.

LetsGetChecked accepts debit or credit cards, PayPal, as well as FSA and HSA cards. Promo codes may also be available.

Review of LetsGetChecked Privacy Policy

LetsGetChecked’s Privacy Policy describes how it will use customers’ data. In general, data will be de-identified before it is shared with third-party vendors and business partners for service and quality improvement, research, or other business operations. Personal information is also shared with accredited laboratories and health professionals to provide their services to you, including delivering lab results and, in some cases, discussing appropriate treatment options.

All personal information and data may be securely stored with CAP-accredited laboratories or other data processing and management services. However, the transmission of information over the internet may be insecure. In cases where this is a concern to customers, LetsGetChecked is willing to arrange for secure means of communication. 

Some states legally require companies like LetsGetChecked to report certain diagnoses to state health departments. These mandatory reporting guidelines apply to positive results from HIV and other sexual health tests. The data is collected and used for public health purposes, such as tracking new infections, but generally remains private. That is, family members and employers do not have access to it.  

LetsGetChecked in the News

LetsGetChecked made news in 2020 as one of the first at-home COVID-19 tests given emergency use authorization by the FDA. The mobile app release, including third-party integration, was also noteworthy, as it seemed to be moving toward a comprehensive healthcare company.

During the pandemic and amid social distancing and guidelines, many consumers sought health testing at home. TIME covered some pros and cons of at-home testing, citing the possibility of poorly prepared samples affecting accuracy.

PatientsLikeMe (PLM), a community health network, announced its partnership with LetsGetChecked earlier in 2023. This partnership provides PLM member access to testing at discounted prices.

LetsGetChecked Reviews

• Reviews on Trustpilot: 4.6/5 with over 16000 reviews
• LetsGetChecked reviews on Amazon.com (Thyroid test): 4.1/5 with over 120 reviews (not available in NY, NJ, or RI)
• LetsGetChecked at-home STD testing reviews on Amazon.com (Simple 3 STD test): 4/5 with over 100 reviews

The company links to the letsgetchecked.com reviews on Trustpilot on all product pages.

Nebula Genomics

Services offered by Nebula Genomics and LetsGetChecked are different but complementary. The costs of individual tests from LetsGetChecked can add up quickly, so customers will want to know exactly what they need. In consultation with a medical professional, genome sequencing from Nebula can help guide customers to the proper biomarker tests.

Nebula Genomics offers the most affordable 30x Whole Genome Sequencing service that sequences 100% of your DNA. In contrast, LetsGetChecked analyzes biomarkers, not DNA. Biomarker and DNA tests should be seen as complementary to each other instead of alternatives. For example, DNA testing provided by Nebula Genomics can help customers identify which biomarker tests they should consider. 

Similar to LetsGetChecked, the Nebula Genomics test does not provide medical advice. Our Whole Genome Sequencing data is of the highest quality and can be used by physicians and genetic counselors. Individuals who believe they are at risk for a genetic disorder should consult a healthcare provider before taking DNA sequencing tests.   

Other posts you may be interested in

If you’re interested in laboratory testing, you may also be interested in these other products:

• BlueChew (at-home diagnosis and prescriptions for erectile dysfunction)
• Curofit (cholesterol, glucose, and blood pressure monitoring)
• empowerDX (women’s, men’s, heart, mental health, and more)
• Everlywell (wide range of health and wellness tests)
• imaware (at-home blood tests for a wide range of health conditions)
• InsideTracker (biomarker health tests and optional DNA test)
• LifeDNA (nine reports based on SNP analysis)
• MintRx (at-home prescriptions and biomarker testing)
• MyLab Box (at-home STD testing)
• Nurx (sexual health testing and at-home prescriptions)
• OmegaQuant (blood test for omega-3 measurements)
• Paloma Health (at-home thyroid testing and consultations)
• Personalabs (over 400 lab tests taken at local labs)
• Rightangled (UK-based DNA and biomarker testing)
• STDcheck.com (on-site STD testing and consultation)
• Verisana (hormone, gut, and STD tests, plus many more)

For gut health, you should check out:

• Biohm (gut health, including bacteria and fungi)
• Ixcela (blood test for gut health and personalized recommendations)
• Sun Genomics (gut microbiome testing and personalized probiotics for adults, children, and infants)
• Ombre (formally Thryve) (personalized probiotics)
• Viome (gut health and microbiome testing)

You may also be interested in virtual health care such as that offered by PlushCare, Teladoc, and Lemonaid Health. Or, MicroGenDX, which provides advanced technology for a wide range of infections.

Did you find our LetsGetChecked review helpful? You can read more reviews on our blog and check out our complete guide to the best DNA test kit and other home tests.