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Testing for health conditions at home is becoming increasingly popular. Before buying an at-home thyroid test, a person should consider which hormones the test detects, how much it costs, and how quickly the results arrive.
- Best consultations: LetsGetChecked | Skip to review
- Best membership discounts: Everlywell | Skip to review
- Best support from thyroid specialists: Paloma | Skip to review
- Best for free shipping: myLAB Box | Skip to review
- Best for detailed results: ZRT Laboratory | Skip to review
Medical News Today’s methodology
Medical News Today selects at-home thyroid tests that meet the following criteria, when possible:
- Ease of ordering: Ordering testing kits, sending samples, and getting results are easy.
- Tests for antibodies: Each test also screens for antibodies to give people a clearer overview of their thyroid health.
- Medically reviewed: Medical professionals such as nurses or doctors review the results and can provide information, though a person should still discuss any positive results with their own doctor.
- Follow-up advice: The testing companies offer additional guidance when a result is positive.
Below are some at-home thyroid tests from popular testing companies. None of these companies state that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved their thyroid tests.
Learn more about the thyroid’s function here.
Please note that the writer has not tested these products. All information is research-based.
Best for consultations: LetsGetChecked
- List price: $99 or $119, depending on the test
- Results time: 2–5 days
- Type of test: finger prick
- Insurance coverage: no insurance coverage
LetsGetChecked offers two thyroid tests. One test measures the three main thyroid hormones: thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4). The other test measures antibodies as well as hormone levels.
A person takes a finger-prick blood sample, then returns it to the company right away using the prepaid shipping label in the kit.
According to LetsGetChecked, the results are typically available in 2–5 days.
Pricing starts from $79, and people can also choose the subscription option to save money and receive the test kit every three months.
The company’s team of doctors and nurses reviews the results and contacts the customers to discuss what their results mean. They can discuss any concerns and advise about the next steps if the result is positive.
Learn more about LetsGetChecked.
Pros
- results are available in 2–5 days
- people can benefit from guidance from a healthcare professional if the result is positive
- the company offers a subscription option for persons who need to test regularly
Cons
- there is the possibility of inaccuracy if there are errors in taking the sample, as with all at-home tests
- if a person’s results are outside the standard range, even with guidance from a healthcare professional, they will still need to see a doctor
Best membership discounts: EverlyWell
- List price: $149
- Results time: several days
- Type of test: finger prick
- Insurance coverage: no
The EverlyWell at-home thyroid test measures thyroid hormone levels and antibodies in a finger-prick blood sample.
The testing kit includes everything a person needs, including a prepaid shipping label.
EverlyWell says that a doctor reviews each result. The results are available to view on the company’s secure online platform. A person can also view detailed information about what the results mean.
Once a person accesses their results, they can set up a call to discuss them with a healthcare professional if they want more detail.
Customers can also choose to speak with a doctor before ordering an at-home health test.
There is also a membership option for people who wish to get tested every month. This provides a 75% saving.
Pros
- the option of membership reduces the cost per test
- the results are available on a secure platform
- the company provides additional information and resources along with test results
Cons
- high cost for one-time purchases
- not available for people in New York
- some users report shipping problems
Best for support from thyroid specialists: Paloma Complete Thyroid Blood Test Kit
- List price: $99 (complete thyroid test)
- Results time: 7 days
- Type of test: finger prick
- Insurance coverage: insurance coverage for appointments only
- Tests for antibodies: yes
- Medically reviewed: yes
This test measures levels of TSH, free T4, free T3, and thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO), which can be
After a person receives their results, they get ongoing personal guidance from a thyroid specialist. A person also gets treatment recommendations generated by an algorithm that medical professionals supervise, according to Paloma.
The test requires a finger-prick blood sample, and its results are available within a week. An individual can choose to add a vitamin D and reverse T3 test to their purchase at checkout.
The company accepts payments from flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs).
The Paloma Complete Thyroid Blood Test Kit costs $99 for nonmembers and $75 for members. Membership costs $16 a month.
Paloma members can also use their health insurance to pay for appointments with the company’s doctors. These cost $42 for people without membership or insurance.
Pros
- thyroid specialists on staff
- ongoing supervision and regular medication and treatment plan updates
- online learning resources and community
Cons
- $42 for an appointment without insurance
- no tests other than thyroid tests
- not available in New York, New Jersey, or Rhode Island
Best for free shipping: myLAB Box
- List price: $119
- Results time: 2–5 days
- Type of test: finger prick
- Insurance coverage: no insurance coverage
- Tests for antibodies: yes
- Medically reviewed: yes
myLAB Box offers a thyroid health screening test for males and females. The sample collection method is a finger prick test. It comes with free shipping but is not available to New York residents.
The company states it issues results in 2–5 days, and customers can attend an online doctor consultation if they receive a positive result.
Individuals who wish to get tested every 6months can opt for the subscription option. The company accepts FSA and HSA payments.
Learn more about myLAB Box here.
Pros
- option of testing every 6 months via subscription
- FSA or HSA payments
- results within a few days
Cons
- consultations for those with positive results only
- no shipping to New York
- potential difficulty reaching customer services
Best for detailed results: ZRT Laboratory
- List price: $175–319
- Results time: 5–7 days
- Type of test: finger prick and dried urine
- Insurance coverage: out-of-network provider with some insurance companies
ZRT Laboratory has three thyroid test kits that a person can order online and take at home, as noted:
- Essential Thyroid Profile: This test call for a finger prick sample and measures three thyroid hormones and one antibody, free T3, free T4, TPOab, and TSH
- Elite Thyroid Profile: This test also uses a finger prick sample to measure T4 and thyroglobulin, as well as free T3, free T4, TPOab, and TSH
- Comprehensive Thyroid Profile: In addition to a finger prick sample, this test calls for a dried urine sample to measure Total T4, thyroglobulin, TSH, free T3, free T4, and TPO, as well as elemental exposure through levels of iodine, bromine, selenium, lithium, arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and creatine
The detailed results include an overview of each symptom a person has reported, the ranges of each hormone and antibody measured, and a full explanation of the results by a doctor. A person can find a sample report online.
ZRT Laboratory does not offer follow-up advice, and discussing the results with a healthcare professional is key.
A person can expect to receive their results within 5–7 days of the lab receiving the sample.
Pros
- provides a comprehensive breakdown of results
- screens for a wide range of hormones and antibodies
Cons
- up to a week to wait for results
- no follow-up service
- high cost in comparison to some other brands
The table below compares the different tests in this article.
| Product | Price | Result time | Type of test | Insurance coverage | Tests for antibodies | Medically reviewed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LetsGetChecked | $99 or $119, depending on the test | 2–5 days | finger prick | no | yes | yes |
| EverlyWell | $149 | several days | finger prick | no | yes | yes |
| Paloma | $99 | 7 days | finger prick | tests not covered, appointments covered | yes | yes |
| myLAB Box | $119 | 2–5 days | finger prick | no | yes | yes |
| ZRT Laboratory | $175–319 | 5–7 days | finger prick, dried urine | bills some companies as an out-of-network provider | yes | yes |
Initial research suggests that at-home tests and telehealth consultations can expand screening for thyroid conditions such as underactive and overactive thyroid.
However, research into the accuracy of at-home tests is limited. The risk of collecting an unusable sample is higher when using an at-home test, so it is important to carefully read and follow any instructions from the manufacturer.
Using companies that analyse samples in CLIA and CAP-certified labs may mean higher accuracy. These labs must meet strict state and federal standards to have certifications.
People may also wish to contact a doctor for help with interpreting the test results. Healthcare professionals may need to order further testing.
Usually, only people with symptoms of an overactive or underactive thyroid will find a test helpful.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism may include:
- fatigue
- extra sensitivity to cold temperatures
- constipation
- weight gain
- irregular or heavy periods
- depression
- a slow heart rate
- joint aches and pains
- a puffy face
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism may include:
- nervousness
- weakness and fatigue
- extra sensitivity to hot temperatures
- problems sleeping
- a hand tremor
- diarrhea
- weight loss
At-home thyroid tests typically measure several thyroid hormones, including:
- TSH
- T3
- T4
Some tests also check for thyroid antibodies. The presence of these can indicate the autoimmune disease Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
The results of the test help a person determine whether there is a need to consult a doctor.
Using a testing kit involves taking a finger-prick blood sample, placing the sample in a plastic bag, and returning it to the company in the provided envelope.
Each testing kit has specific instructions, and it is essential to follow these carefully to ensure an accurate result.
Some testing companies also have a doctor review the person’s results. If a person prefers, the company may be able to send the results to their regular doctor.
It is important to note that several things
Examples that affect thyroid hormone levels include:
- pregnancy
- underlying health conditions
- older age
- certain medications, such as opioids, androgens, and estrogen
Biotin supplements can affect the results of a thyroid test.
Why use an at-home test?
At-home testing offers several advantages. These
- convenience
- cost-effectiveness
- quick results
- confidentiality
Do private medical insurance plans cover the costs?
Most private health insurance companies do not cover the costs of at-home testing.
But some at-home test providers accept payments from FSAs or HRAs.
A blood test showing a high level of TSH may indicate someone has hypothyroidism.
Higher levels of TSH and T4 levels in a typical range may mean that a person is at risk of developing hypothyroidism in the future.
People who receive results that show they have low levels of TSH and higher levels of T3 or T4 may suggest they have hyperthyroidism.
However, it is important to discuss any at-home thyroid test results with a healthcare professional to ensure a person is interpreting the results correctly.
Here we answer some common questions about these at-home tests.
Can I check my thyroid levels at home?
Yes, people can check their thyroid levels at home with an at-home test. People will need to collect a sample – usually a finger prick blood sample – and send it off to a laboratory, getting their results within a few working days.
How can I get a thyroid test without going to the doctor?
People can get a thyroid test without going to a doctor by purchasing an at-home test kit/
What is the most accurate thyroid test?
The most accurate thyroid tests are ones that measure a person’s hormone and antibody levels and analyse the results in a CLIA or CAP-certified lab.
People should also ensure that the company they use has healthcare professionals review the results.
How can I check if my thyroid is healthy?
Tests from a doctor or an at-home test kit can be a good starting point to check thyroid function. If a test returns results outside of an expected range, healthcare professionals can conduct further tests and discuss any next steps.
At-home thyroid tests can help people feel more in control of their health. For example, these tests may also be more convenient than visiting a clinic. People can often access their results in a few days and review them with a doctor.
It is essential to discuss any positive result with a healthcare professional and, if necessary, develop a treatment plan.