At-home testing kits make it easy, affordable, and accessible to learn more about your health without the hassle — no copays, doctors’ visits, long lines, and laboratory visits. Simply order your test kit, follow the instructions, send your kit to a nearby lab, and wait for your results.
A noteworthy company that provides at-home tests is myLAB Box, which offers more than 50 tests across dimensions of health like fertility, toxicity, nutrition, and more. Their most popular kits test for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and hormone levels for women and men.
Read on to learn more about how myLAB Box works, which tests they offer, and whether the service is right for you.
What is myLAB Box?
myLAB Box is a service that delivers a variety of at-home test kits for health and wellness right to your doorstep.
The company originated in California in 2014 when they were founded by entrepreneurs who sought to find a better way to approach sexual health and medical care. According to the
Tests are simple and can be done from anywhere. They take just 5 minutes to complete, significantly reducing the time it would take to seek testing services the traditional way — scheduling and attending a doctor’s visit, going to the lab, waiting in line, and so on. Not to mention expenses like copays and additional fees.
Pros and cons of myLAB Box
Pros
- Free 2-day shipping.
- Results are usually available within 5 days.
- Positive test results include a free physician consultation.
- Some tests are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
- Shipping is discreet.
- Collecting samples is fast and easy.
- Results are delivered electronically.
- Wide variety of tests is available.
- Competitive, transparent pricing.
Cons
- Tests expire within 6 to 12 months.
- Shipping times may vary.
- Insurance, flexible spending accounts (FSAs), and health savings accounts (HSAs) are not accepted.
- International shipping is not available.
Who is myLAB Box for?
myLAB Box is for anyone who prioritizes convenience and privacy when it comes to taking health-related tests and receiving results.
They started as a company that brings STI testing to the comfort of your own home, ending the uncomfortable alternative. It’s still an option for anyone who wants to increase the privacy associated with taking STI tests.
myLAB Box isn’t intended to replace emergency care or regular care from a healthcare professional. The service also doesn’t replace getting a professional diagnosis.
How myLab Box works
1. Order a test
myLAB Box offers more than 50 at-home tests, including those for:
- COVID-19 and flu
- STIs
- nutrition
- wellness
- fertility and family planning
- drugs and toxicology
First, choose a test and place your order. All costs are displayed on the myLAB Box website, so pricing is very transparent and there are no hidden fees.
Consider the shipping time as there may be delays.
2. Take your samples per the instructions
Upon receiving your test kit, which arrives in discreet packaging for your privacy, read the instructions. According to myLAB Box, reading the instructions and taking your sample takes 5 minutes or less.
You may be asked to provide a urine or blood sample, so be prepared to pee in a cup or prick your finger. For some tests, an oral, vaginal, or rectal swab is required.
3. Ship your samples to a lab
Each kit comes with instructions and materials to send your samples to a nearby lab. A pre-addressed, postage-free, and discreet envelope will be provided.
Place your sample in the envelope and drop it in the mail.
4. Receive your results
Within days of sending your sample to the lab, you will receive your results electronically. Results are usually available within 2 to 5 days after the lab receives your samples.
Positive test results for some tests include a consultation with a trained counselor or physician in your state. You also have the choice to print out your test results and bring them to your next appointment with your regular doctor.
myLAB Box products and services
myLAB Box offers more than 50 tests which are broken down into 5 main categories: COVID-19 and flu, STIs, wellness and nutrition, fertility and family planning, and drugs and toxicology. Their most popular tests include:
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) & Flu Viral Detection
- Total Box – 14 Panel At Home STD Test Kit
- Women’s Health + Fertility
- Men’s Health
Coronavirus (COVID-19) & Flu Viral Detection
- Price: $149
myLAB Box offers the first ever at-home COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and flu combination test. It can be difficult to determine if symptoms are related to COVID-19 or flu.
This test is for anyone experiencing symptoms of an upper respiratory infection, such as cough, fever, sneezing, congestion, or sore throat. Other reasons to test for COVID-19 include possible exposure, chronic conditions, and travel overseas.
It uses a nasal swab for the collection method.
A portion of the cost of this test may be reimbursable by insurance.
Results may be available in as few as 24 hours. A free physician consultation is available for individuals who test positive.
Total Box – 14 Panel At Home STD Test Kit
- Price: $379 to $399
At-home testing is a convenient option for those who have multiple sexual partners or may show symptoms of an STI. It’s a more discreet alternative to in-person testing.
myLAB Box considers this test to be the most comprehensive STI test on the market. It consists of 14 panels:
- genital, throat, and rectal chlamydia
- genital, throat, and rectal gonorrhea
- hepatitis C
- HIV-1 and HIV-2
- herpes simplex 2
- syphilis
- trichomoniasis
- mycoplasma genitalium
- HPV (optional add-on for women 30 years and older)
Collection methods include oral swab, vaginal swab, rectal swab, finger prick, and urine sample.
Lab results are usually available within 2 to 5 days, and individuals with positive test results can consult a physician in their state for free.
Compare the best at-home STD tests here.
Women’s Health + Fertility
- Price: $199
Some symptoms may be related to a hormonal imbalance. Testing hormone levels can help identify imbalances that could be causing your symptoms.
This kit tests for key hormones that can affect overall health and fertility, including:
- cortisol
- dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
- estradiol
- follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
- luteinizing hormone (LH)
- progesterone
- testosterone
- thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO)
- thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
- triiodothyronine (T3)
- thyroxine (T4)
Lab results are available in 2 to 5 days, and the collection method is a pain-free saliva sample.
Men’s Health
- Price: $259
People of all genders can have hormonal imbalances, including men.
myLAB Box makes it easy for you to get your hormone levels checked, including:
- estradiol
- DHEA
- cortisol
- testosterone
This test is for people experiencing signs of andropause, which is similar to menopause. Symptoms include low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, weight gain, hot flashes, night sweats, low stamina, and more.
The collection method requires a saliva sample, and results are usually available within 2 to 5 days.
Customer reviews and brand reputation
The brand displays positive customer reviews on their website.
myLAB Box has 157 reviews on Trustpilot with an average rating of 3 out of 5 stars.
Some reviewers comment on the brand’s wide variety of tests and convenience, but others are unhappy with the slower than expected shipping times and false positive results.
The brand also has mixed reviews on their Amazon product listings.
“This was a cheap quick solution. It came rather quickly and I sent off the sample the same day I received my package. My results were online within 3 days. Worked great for me,” one user says.
Others report receiving a different test kit than the one they ordered. “Just as another buyer reported, the sticker on the box said female test kit, but the box itself said male test kit,” another reviewer writers.
Some also report receiving expired test kits or failing to receive their results at all. In some reviews, the customers updated their reviews to state that the brand resolved the issue.
Customer service
Many customer reviews praise myLAB Box for their customer service.
“Their prices do tend to average a bit more than others but the service and professionalism are worth the slightly higher prices,” one customer writes on Trustpilot.
myLAB Box has responded to many of the complaints on Trustpilot, offering solutions to customers’ problems.
You can contact the brand’s customer service department by email or phone. The contact information is listed on the brand’s website. The website also has a live chat feature in the bottom right-hand corner.
myLAB Box vs. competitors
| Price | Number of tests | Type of tests | Days to receive results | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| myLAB Box | $36–$499 | more than 50 | fertility, nutrition, STIs, drugs, COVID-19, and more | usually between 2 and 5 days |
| Everlywell | $25–$259 | more than 30 | food sensitivity, metabolism, thyroid, women’s health, and more | usually within 5 business days |
Frequently asked questions
Is myLAB Box FDA-approved?
Some myLAB Box mail-in test kits are FDA-approved, while others are authorized by the FDA.
How long does myLAB Box shipping take?
Customers usually receive their myLAB Box tests within 1 to 3 days of placing the order. Mail delivery times can vary, however. This does not include time to take your test, ship it to the lab, and receive your results.
Are myLAB Box tests accurate?
myLAB Box tests are as accurate as going to a physician’s office or clinical laboratory to get tested.
How long does it take to get results back from myLAB Box?
After the lab has received your test kit, you can expect to receive your electronic results within 2 to 5 days. myLAB Box estimates that the process from placing your order to receiving your results can take up to 11 days total.
Does myLAB Box take insurance?
myLAB Box does not accept health insurance, FSA, or HSA. Customers pay out of pocket with their personal forms of payment. If you have insurance, some tests may be eligible for reimbursement from your provider.
Takeaway
There are many at-home testing services to choose from, so why choose myLAB Box? The brand offers a wide variety of tests at competitive prices. Their STI test is also the most comprehensive.
Overall, myLAB Box is an option for those looking for convenient and affordable ways to learn more about their health without the time and privacy concerns of visiting a doctor’s office or lab. However, their quality control could likely be improved, according to customer reviews.
Lacey Muinos is a health, wellness, and beauty writer based in Southern California. She holds a BA in English. Her work has appeared in digital publications like Livestrong, Verywell, Business Insider, Eat This Not That, and others. When she’s not writing, Lacey is likely pursuing her other interests: skin care, plant-based cooking, pilates, and traveling. You can keep up with her by visiting herwebsite or herblog.