In partnership with Labcorp. Editor’s Note: We only select and work with partners that meet our quality standards, so you can rest assured we only endorse products we believe in.
As someone who works in the oncology space, I’m always wondering why we don’t do more in the realm of preventative health. Why aren’t we looking for pre-existing conditions, doing early imaging scans, or checking for abnormal levels of things in our bodies? I’m convinced preventative medicine is a major key to a long, healthy life. So when I learned about Labcorp OnDemand’s suite of convenient and accurate health tests, I knew I had to give it a try. After all, I thought, learning even just one new thing about my body would be so worth it!
We like
- Large variety of tests available
- Results are delivered confidentially right to your email in as little as one business day
- Professional-grade testing available at your fingertips – the same as what your doctor orders
- A variety of at-home tests are available, in addition to the ones at the centers
- Patient service center was clean and easy to get to
We don't like
- Not all tests are available at home
- Blood draw is required for some tests – beware for those that don’t like that (I just looked away!)
Step 1: Purchasing My Tests
When I first went to browse Labcorp OnDemand’s tests, I’ll admit, I was a bit overwhelmed. There were so many things I suddenly wanted to know about my body and my health! Luckily, the tests are broken down into helpful categories to narrow what you’re looking for, such as fertility and sexual health, nutrition and vitamin health, allergy, and more. Within each category, several tests are available with a simple description of what the test will tell you. What I loved most about this is that you don’t have to be a health expert to find the tests that are right for you.
Purchasing my tests was easy on Labcorp OnDemand’s website.
Personally, I knew I was interested in learning more about my vitamin deficiencies (if any), so I chose the Vitamin Deficiency Test ($169). The Women’s Ovarian Reserve AMH Blood Test ($219) also piqued my interest, so I added that to my cart, too. Purchasing these tests was incredibly easy. Just like a physical product, I added them to my cart, checked out, and was able to schedule an appointment at a local Labcorp center. There were 4-5 Labcorp locations within 20-30 minutes from me, which in Midwest time is almost nothing! I loved that I didn’t have to drive far and got to choose my appointment day and time.
Step 2: Going to the Lab
Heading to Labcorp, I was a bit nervous since I knew a blood draw was required for both of the tests I purchased. Once I got to the center, my fears were mostly put at ease. The facility was clean and the check-in was easy and utilized a kiosk, in addition to a very personable receptionist. I waited probably 15 minutes and then went back for my test.
The phlebotomist was so kind and chatted away with me as she drew my blood. She was clearly experienced, allowing me to look away while she chatted (I don’t love getting my blood drawn, but who does?) and only had to do it once to get what she needed. She mentioned my results would be available on my Labcorp account within a few days, so off I went. All in all, I was in and out within I think 20 minutes tops, which made me super happy!
Step 3: Getting My Results
I’ve never been *excited* to get lab results (usually it can mean some not-so-good news), but this I was genuinely excited for. You know the excitement when you get a package and watch the tracking info every day? Oh yeah, my nerdy self was totally doing the online equivalent. A few days from my test, I got an email stating that my results were ready.
Quick and easy blood draw – a small price to pay to learn a great deal about your health!
There are two ways to view your results: in a very thorough PDF or in the website’s interface, which has reference interval sliders, colored symbols, and other helpful information. I learned that my Vitamin B12 and Folate (B9) levels, which are important to red blood cell formation and metabolism, were in the normal range. This was especially awesome because just a few years ago I was actually out of range for this and had actively been working to improve this.
I also learned that my Vitamin D, which helps bone health, levels were pretty low. This was a bummer – but not surprising – as a corporate girlie living in the Midwest. These winter days are short and don’t lend themselves to being outside. What a great excuse to get outside and soak up the sun (with SPF, of course) as these days warm up.
Making Health as Easy as 1, 2, 3
Putting my health in my own hands honestly felt amazing. I love the team of doctors I have the opportunity to see on a regular basis, but this was a great option to understand what’s going on in my body between appointments. Now that I know that my Vitamin D levels are low, I can talk to my doctor about it, spend more time outside, and potentially take supplements to improve it. If living a healthier, more holistic lifestyle is something you’re aiming for this year, Labcorp OnDemand is an amazing way to take the next step in your health journey. Who knows what you will learn about your health – and subsequently, have the opportunity to do something about it!