The popularity of at-home testing services and telehealth has grown massively since the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, it could grow to a $2 billion industry. EverlyWell is a company offering at-home testing for several conditions and disorders. While these tests are undoubtedly convenient, are they accurate? This article explores EverlyWell reviews, their tests, and their accuracy.
The Highlights
EverlyWell provides at-home testing for several conditions.
They have a range of tests to choose from.
Samples need to be self-collected and sent over by customers to their labs, which will test the samples.
While many have found their tests helpful, some have found them inaccurate.
What Is EverlyWell?
EverlyWell is an Austin, Texas-based company that offers at-home testing.
The company was founded in 2015.
They offer more than 30 types of tests, including tests for:
- General wellness includes colon cancer tests, COVID-19, and high cholesterol.
- Women's health, including tests for infertility, perimenopause and postmenopause.
- Men's health, including tests for testosterone and cortisol levels.
- Nutritional health, including tests for vitamin D and thyroid hormone levels.
- Sexual health includes tests for sexually transmitted diseases.
Customers must take the samples and send them using prepaid expedited packaging.
The company delivers the results quickly through an online app.
You can also purchase EverlyWell test kits from Amazon, Walmart, and CVS.
Who’s It For?
EverlyWell tests are great for those who:
- Don’t have health insurance and want tests for specific conditions.
- Have health insurance that doesn’t cover the cost of particular tests.
- Prefer anonymity when testing for sensitive sexual or hormonal conditions.
- Would rather save the time required to get a doctor-recommended test
How EverlyWell Works
EverlyWell tests samples their customers provide through test kits mailed to laboratories.
These samples could be saliva, blood, etc.
The laboratory retrieves the results and provides them to the customers.
EverlyWell also offers free doctor consultations to help evaluate the test results and provide diagnoses if required.
EverlyWell Tests And Services
Food Sensitivity Test
The EverlyWell Food Sensitivity Test is a blood test that measures the body's immunoglobulin G (IgG) response to 98 different food items.
They have another comprehensive test that compares your sample against 204 items.
This test helps you identify food items that can cause an allergic reaction in your body.
However, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAI) has stated that IgG levels alone do not equal an allergy.
You can have IgG in your blood due to exposure to certain foods.
Women’s Health Test
EverlyWells's Women's Health Test is a comprehensive test that evaluates hormones and biomarkers covered by the Women's Fertility Test, Postmenopause Test, and Perimenopause Test.
The hormones and biomarkers tested include:
- Estradiol
- Progesterone
- Luteinizing hormone (LH)
- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
- Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
- Cortisol
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
- Free T3 and T4
- Thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO)
- Free testosterone
This test requires blood and saliva samples, which you should provide at different times of your menstrual cycle.
You will receive two blood collection cards and four saliva collection tubes with this test kit.
Men’s Health Test
The EverlyWell Men's Health test examines four hormones using saliva.
It tests for Testosterone, Cortisol, DHEA, and Estradiol.
These hormones are associated with sex drive, muscle mass, weight balance, and energy levels in men.
Also, measuring their levels can indicate a problem with the glands that secrete them.
EverlyWell also has a testerorone test for men that measures the total testosterone levels in the body.
It requires a blood sample.
STD Screening Panel
EverlyWell's STD test bundles test for six STIs:
- Chlamydia
- Ghonorhea
- Hepatitis C
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- Syphilis
- Trichomoniasis
For men, a blood and urine sample is required, while for women, a blood sample and vaginal swab is collected.
If you test positive for any of the STDs, a physician will contact you for free consultation and further treatment.
Metabolism Test
EverlyWell's Metabolism Test detects the levels of three hormones in your body: cortisol, free testosterone, and thyroid-stimulating hormone.
However, this test cannot determine the cause of the abnormal levels.
That's why it's best to consult your doctor about the results if you have an abnormally high level of any of these hormones.
This test is priced at $99.
Thyroid Test
EverlyWell's thyroid test analyzes three thyroid hormones: thyroid stimulating hormones T3 and T4 and thyroid peroxidase antibodies.
This test requires a blood sample and costs $149.
Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism can cause fatigue, dry skin, brittle nails, hair loss, and weight loss or gain.
Some conditions, like Hashimoto's disease, don't cause noticeable symptoms.
You can only learn about the condition by the presence of thyroid peroxidase antibodies in your blood.
Other Tests
EverlyWell also has tests to check cholesterol and lipid profiles, colon cancer screening tests, indoor and outdoor allergy tests, and heart health tests.
- Lipid test: Measures your total cholesterol levels, good cholesterol, bad cholesterol, and triglycerides.
- Colon cancer screening test: This test checks for blood in the stool and is recommended for adults 45 and older.
- Allergy test: Checks for 40 common indoor and outdoor allergens.
- Heart health test: This test is best for people with a personal or family history of heart problems.
How To Get Started With EverlyWell
Getting started with EverlyWell is straightforward.
- Selecting your test kit: Purchase your test of choice from their products page. Standard shipping is free, but express shipping is available for $30. Once you place your order, you get an email confirming it.
- Receiving your test kit: The test arrives in a brown package with EverlyWell’s return address pre-filled out. Once unpacked, it’s ready to go.
- Activating your test kit: Register your kit on the company’s website by entering its unique ID. Read the instruction manual carefully to understand how to collect your sample and what precautions to follow.
- Collecting your sample: You will need either a blood sample, urine sample, stool sample, saliva sample, nasal or vaginal swab for the test. EverlyWell's website also has a dedicated page with video tutorials explaining how to collect samples. Follow the relevant instructions, place the sample in the biohazard bag, and put it back into the test kit box. Now, mail the sample to the given address. It is best to do this on the sample's collection day.
- Reviewing your results: An EverlyWell lab will analyze the sample and email you the results within 3-5 business days. Once they’re out, you can view them and share them with a doctor.
EverlyWell Report Review
When reviewing EverlyWell's reports, it's important to consider:
- Accuracy: EverlyWell is CLIA-certified, which speaks to its accuracy. Research has shown that if all relevant instructions are followed correctly, self-collected samples can be as credible as lab-collected ones.
- Cost: EverlyWell is the most affordable among its competitors and compatible with most health insurance providers.
- Speed: EverlyWell's average wait time for test results is 3 days, slightly slower than its competitors.
- Customer support: The company has competent customer support. The FAQ section on their website is helpful, and their test kits come with detailed instructions. They also have a valuable and supportive customer support team.
EverlyWell Pricing
EverlyWell tests cost $15 to $299, and membership is available for $24.99 monthly.
This membership, named Control, allows customers to get one free test and a 20% discount on every subsequent test.
Here's a more detailed overview of EverlyWell's test price range:
- General wellness: $49 to $199
- Men's health: $69 to $249
- Women's health: $99 to $249
- Nutritional health: $49 to $99
- Sexual health: $69 to $169
EverlyWell: Pros And Cons
Pros of EverlyWell:
- It is convenient and anonymous. You can collect your samples at home and send them over for testing—there is no need to step into a doctor's office to get tested.
- Results are easy to interpret, including guidance on your possible next steps. They offer free physician consultations if your test results are positive for specific conditions.
- They accept insurance from most major insurance companies for telehealth appointments.
Cons of EverlyWell:
- Samples can be challenging to collect. Some of the EverlyWell tests require you to draw your blood, which could be difficult if you fear needles.
- Both the tests and telehealth services are for adults aged 18 and above.
- Getting these tests done is not necessarily less expensive than getting checked by a doctor.
Everlywell Reviews
EverlyWell has an average rating of 2 out of 5 on Trustpilot.
Customers complain that the test results are sometimes inaccurate.
They also point out that the test results aren’t clinically valid until a doctor has ratified them and made a diagnosis.
EverlyWell Reddit
Users on Reddit aren’t very convinced of EverlyWell’s tests.
Most said the results were vague and didn't reveal anything useful.
One user even claims that samples collected at home rarely provide accurate results.
EverlyWell Privacy Reviews
Does EverlyWell Keep Your DNA?
EverlyWell keeps the DNA samples of customers who take their DNA tests.
Unless you explicitly request them to destroy your data, the company will indefinitely keep your data.
Does EverlyWell Sell Your Info?
The company claims that they will never sell their customer's data.
EverlyWell uses bank-grade encryption to safeguard its customer's data.
They also don't host any data or servers themselves.
They use a HIPAA-compliant platform named ClearData to do this.
FAQs About EverlyWell Reviews:
How Reliable Are EverlyWell Tests?
EverlyWell is a CLIA-certified company.
This certification means their laboratories regularly undergo inspections, and all testing is done under strict regulations.
Their tests can provide you with an overview of your health in an easy, convenient way.
However, their tests are by no means a replacement for doctor consultations.
What Happens If You Test Positive On EverlyWell?
If you test positive on any of EverlyWell's tests, a qualified physician will contact you at no extra cost to discuss your symptoms and further treatment options.
Why Can't EverlyWell Be Used In NY?
New York has stringent laws when it comes to at-home testing.
In addition to a complex billing system, NY has a law requiring the state health department to validate and approve every biomarker tested.
This process usually takes around 12-18 months, preventing at-home testing companies like EverlyWell from operating in NY.
What Is An Alternative To EverlyWell?
Here are two alternatives to EverlyWell:
- myLABbox: They have a better variety of tests, including package tests that could be more useful. However, myLABbox has a higher base price than EverlyWell and more complicated test reports.
- LetsGetChecked: This company offers a variety of at-home tests and provides rapid results. However, their sample collection is complex and precise. They may reject your sample if it doesn’t match their stringent requirements.
Summary: EverlyWell Reviews
- EverlyWell can be a great starting point for getting your health evaluated.
- Their at-home tests can inform you about any possible abnormalities in your body. However, it is always advisable to consult a doctor with your test results.
- They offer tests for general health, men’s health, women’s health, hormonal health, sexual health, and more.
- These tests are convenient, anonymous, and compatible with most insurance plans.
- However, they can take time to be delivered and may not save you much money compared to a routine doctor visit.
- Their online reputation isn’t the best, with poor reviews amongst users on Trustpilot and Reddit.
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