RxHomeTest Review Summary
Summary
RxHomeTest provides easy to understand results for several biomarkers and some genes from lab tests that can be ordered from and taken at home. The service is not available in some states. While its over 30 products cover many health aspects, it is less comprehensive than some other lab test or genetic companies.
7 Facts from our RxHomeTest Review
- Location: Portland, Oregon, United States
- Products: Over 30 products, including food + inhalants, male health, APOE, stress, sleep, and more
- Cost: $60 – $350
- Reports: Biomarker results compared to normal or healthy levels
- How it works: Customers order the test to their home. They collect the sample via either saliva, dried blood, or blood collection tube. Results are available within five business days after the lab receives the sample
- Counseling available: No
- Alternative Products: Nebula Genomics offers 30X Whole Genome Sequencing that decodes 100% of your DNA and offers reports on diet and much more!
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.
November 1, 2022
Table of contents
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Lab tests taken at home
- Prices for the tests are standard
- Easy to understand report
Cons
- Limited to biomarkers and a few genes
- Some restrictions on shipping
Introduction
RxHomeTest offers over 30 home health tests for a wide range of biomarkers like A1C, vitamin D, hormones, and many more. Some tests analyze genetic variants, such as the celiac disease test which checks for the presence of DQ2 and DQ8 genes, necessary for gluten intolerance. This metabolism test can highlight your risk for the disease. Any of these products can be used without needing a visit to a doctor’s office.
The reports for each test are mostly for informational purposes but can also be used to guide physicians on where to focus treatments and medications
RxHomeTest was founded in 2017. As a lab test provider, the company can only provide test results. It does not provide diagnostic tests. While it does not offer genetic counseling or medical recommendations, it has an active blog and article section that answers some of the users’ most common questions regarding at-home tests and diseases. The company is based in Portland, Oregon, United States.
RxHomeTest seeks to provide patients with accurate results they can use to make medical decisions concerning their lives and health. All tests are performed in CLIA-certified labs and reviewed by physicians. A majority of the tests from these labs are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Shipping is free. The company ships its products to every state except for New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Maryland.
Review of RxHomeTest Products
As of 2022, RxHomeTest sells 32 at-home lab testing products that provide information on risk factors for disease. They are divided into eight categories:
- Allergy and sensitivities
- For men
- For women
- Genetic tests
- Gut health
- Stress
- Toxins and pollutants
- Wellness
We will highlight a few of the available tests below to demonstrate the different types available.
Food and inhalant test
The company categorizes this test under Allergy and Sensitivity. The test analyzes IgG food sensitivities to 208 ingredients and 48 inhalants. This test is designed to check for food ingredients and air particles that can cause uncomfortable reactions when eaten or inhaled.
It’s important to remember that this is a food sensitivity test, not a food allergy test. Sample collection is via finger prick (dry blood spot).
Food includes dairy, seed, nuts, vegetables, grains, seafood, meat, etc. while airborne pollutants include grains, spices, legumes, etc.
Male health test
This is more than a testosterone test. This product reports DHEA, testosterone, estradiol, and cortisol levels, markers are hormones important for maintaining bone and muscle strength, sexual health, and behavioral health. These levels change naturally with age, exercise, and other lifestyle and health conditions. Customers collect a sample saliva.
Like the male health test, the female health test focuses on hormones specific to women’s health.
APOE test
This test is categorized under genetic risk tests and checks for APOE genes, which help convert fat to cholesterol. The test checks for APOE E2, E3, and E4, markers linked with dementia, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease risk.
In this sense, APOE is often thought of as a heart health test and mental health test. It can help patients and their doctors take preventative measures against things like heart attacks.
Customers collect the sample of this test from a buccal swab.
Helicobacter pylori antibody test
This is a gut health test. The general category of these kits analyze gut microbes. This test is done to check for IgG due to recent or present infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria. It can be a serious health issue that raises the risk for stomach ulcers and gastric cancer.
The sample for this test is blood collected from a pricked finger into a collection tube. Symptoms of this infection include bad taste, stomach pain, burping, bloating, etc.
Sleep and stress test
Customers can use this test to determine the body’s stress hormone, cortisol, and the hormone that relates to sleep, melatonin. Both of these markers can affect sleep. Many people don’t get enough sleep, causing more adverse problems like anxiety, sugar, driving injuries, and unusual weight gain. Several tests in this category look for cortisol risk factors.
Customers collect four saliva samples at different times of the day. In this way, morning cortisol and melatonin are compared with levels at noon and in the evening and night.
The other two categories, Toxins & Pollutants and Wellness, focus on things like heavy metals and vitamins, respectively.
RxHomeTest does not offer COVID-19 tests.
Review of Taking an RxHomeTest Kit
Customers can order the test kits directly from the company’s website without having to visit a lab or doctor’s office. The company’s physician’s will write a prescription for the medical test when you order. The kit arrives within 3-5 days.
Each kit comes with specific instructions on how to take the test depending on its type. The three major sample collections are saliva tube, buccal (cheek) swab, finger prick (blood tube), and finger prick (dried sample).
Results are available within 5 business days after arriving at the lab. Physicians review the results and send the report.
Review of RxHomeTest Test Cost
The RxHomeTest kits’ prices are relatively standard for genetic and non-genetic tests. Given the fact that these are not over the counter (OTC) products, the price can actually be considered relatively reasonable.
- Allergy and sensitivity tests: $100 – $300
- For men: $60 – $170
- For women: $90 – $170
- Genetic tests: $100 – $170
- Gut health: $100 – $350
- Stress: $100 – $150
- Toxins and pollutants: $150 – $225
- Wellness: $60 – $125
Customers can use HSA accounts to pay for these products. Health insurance does not cover these tests.
Review of an RxHomeTest Report
An RxHomeTest report is straight to the point for all tests. Generally, it will provide basic information on the test, the biomarker result, and the general conclusion based on normal ranges. Patients may need to speak with their physician or read more about the result to understand how it could contribute to a particular vulnerability.
Using the celiac genetic test as an example, the image below shows a simple, easy-to-understand description of a user diagnosis.
In this case, the report provides a list of gene markers, the customer’s results, and whether that result indicates a risk allele.
Customers can take this information to their doctor to discuss further tests and treatments.
More information and links on the condition can be found in the celiac FAQs. This is true of all product pages.
Review of RxHomeTest Privacy
Generally, the RxHomeTest privacy policy and terms of service are very brief.
The company collects user information to better serve its users. The services rendered by this company are related to health, so they are considered private. The information collected includes name, address, email, health symptoms, etc.
The company states that it uses this information to provide its services and that it does not sell your information.
Also, it is essential to mention that while this information is kept safe, it may be disclosed to legal authorities. They may also be disclosed to third parties to protect the business and customers.
Other RxHomeTest Reviews
Since these kits are prescription, customers must order them through the company website. Thus, reviews on third-party sites like Amazon are not available.
The company shows a 4.5 star rating at the top of its pages but it does not provide the reviews that led to that rating.
Nebula Genomics
RxHomeTest kits offer many different options for at-home testing in relation to various diseases and general health conditions. This can be especially helpful for individuals who are having symptoms, believe or know they are at risk for a certain condition, or just have questions about their health status.
To go even further into investigating your genetic predisposition, you may be interested in a more comprehensive view that is Whole Genome Sequencing.
Nebula Genomics offers a comprehensive test that highlights predispositions related to diet, fitness, health conditions, and much more. With 30x Whole-Genome Sequencing, Nebula sequences 100% of your DNA. This includes non-coding regions and the X and Y chromosomes. This kit also includes ancestry reporting and genome exploration tools.
The regularly updated reports provide your result and detailed information as to what it can mean. Since genes have a foundational role in causing different medical conditions, this information can be useful to bring to your doctor or other health care professional for further discussion.
For only $299 or less, customers get access to their entire genome, allowing them to continue to ask more questions as more research is conducted.
| RxHomeTest | Nebula Genomics | |
|---|---|---|
| Testing method | Saliva, buccal swab, or blood | Buccal swab |
| Results | Biomarker levels and some genes | Sequences all 20,000 genes and regulatory regions |
| Reports | Single report with current levels or gene status | An extended genetic report that is updated regularly |
| Ancestry reporting | No | Performs deep ancestry reporting with the complete Y chromosome and mtDNA sequencing |
| Counseling | No | No, but data is of the highest quality and can be used by physicians and genetic counselors |
| Cost | $60 – $350 | $0, $99, $299 |
Other at-home lab tests
Did you like our RxHomeTest review? You can read more reviews on our blog and check out our complete guide to the best DNA test kit and other home tests.
You can also check out these other at-home lab tests:
- BlueChew (at home diagnosis and prescriptions for erectile dysfunction)
- Cove Migraine (telemedicine consults and treatments for migraines)
- 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 wide range of health conditions)
- InsideTracker (biomarker health tests and optional DNA test)
- LetsGetChecked (wide range of health and wellness tests)
- LifeDNA (nine reports based on SNP analysis)
- Map My Gene (innate talents for children and disease risks)
- 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)
