DirectLabs-Review-pros-cons-of-direct-lab-testing

DirectLabs Review (pros & cons of direct lab testing)

DirectLabs is a leading company in direct access laboratory testing. Thousands of people around the USA use the services of this company.

This means you can order your own pathology tests without a doctors referral.

I have tried myself testing with DirectLabs and helped clients interpret the results of their tests.

The accurate numbers provided by DirectLabs, help create a personalized treatment program and help the patient get back on track.

I have decided to share my impressions and write a brief review of DirectLabs and shed light on how this company works and its pros and cons.

In this article, I’ll try to answer all your questions and highlight all the details and the tests I highly recommend. Let’s get started!

5 Reasons You Should Choose DirectLabs

1. Your Health is in Your Hands

DirectLabs-Helps-Test-and-Control-Your-Health

If you want to fully control your health, DirectLabs is a solution to consider, and I’ll explain why.

DirectLabs doesn’t require from you any prescription and you don’t have to ask your doctor to order the test.

If you want to control your health levels, monitor your wellness personally, prevent or detect disease at an early stage, or simply get the tests done when doubts are bothering you, DirectLabs can help you.

  • For instance, if you have an active sex life or if you are unsure of your partner’s health, you can get tested and eliminate guesswork.
  • If you suffered from some grave health problems in the past, and got scared it might be back, fast and convenient testing with DirectLabs will give you a clue whether a full check-up is needed and what health professional is important to consult to prevent the complications.
  • If you want to maintain a healthy body and mind, and improve your diet, you might want to know which vitamins you lack.

DirectLabs doesn’t limit you and doesn’t make you travel to the hospital several times to get the prescription. No matter why you want to get tested, DirectLabs helps you do it in a fast and convenient way.

2. A Wide Variety of Tests

A-Wide-Range-of-Comprehensive-Tests

DirectLabs has numerous testing solutions for the entire family. Also, while some companies focus only on the tests for gastrointestinal health, DirectLabs has covered all the categories. You can order specialized tests through Direct Labs that you cannot get through your doctor

Let’s have a look at the Shopping Cart they offer:

  • Adrenals
  • Allergies/Food Sensitivities
  • Anemia
  • Arthritis
  • Autism
  • Autoimmune Disorders
  • Blood Disorders
  • Cancer
  • Cardiovascular/Heart Health
  • Diabetes
  • Environmental
  • Gastrointestinal
  • Hormones
  • Kidney
  • Liver
  • Medications Check
  • Men's Health
  • SIBO
  • Specialty Labs
  • STD's
  • Test Packages
  • Thyroid
  • Vaccinations/Titers
  • Vitamins
  • Women's Health
  • Juvenile (Under 18) Testing

Each category has many tests of different complexity. Therefore, the results of some tests will be ready in 1 day, while other tests, such as the Comprehensive Male Hormone Panel will take from 7-10 business days.

Before ordering the test you can check the approximate turnaround time, all the biomarkers that will be tested and if the fasting is required.

Have a look at the example below:

Example-of-the-DirectLabs-Test

1. Fasting required. 2. Specimen. 3. Results. 4. Tests included.

3. Competitive Prices

Discounted-Lab-Prices

Tests at DirectLabs are known for its affordability. If to compare other online services with DirectLabs, you’ll notice the difference in price. However, a lower price doesn't mean lower quality and inaccuracy of results. 

Prices depend directly on the number of biomarkers. Lab test prices start from $32 for a simple individual test and go up to over $800 for a comprehensive specialty test.

As for the additional fees, there are only 2 cases when you may get extra charged:

  • $10 -  Processing Fee ( if you need to issue a new requisition form)
  • $25 - Cancelation Fee
Use-Discount-Code-R-PLANET

4. Trusted Labs Around the USA

CLIA-Certified-and-CAP-Accredited-Labs

DirectLabs have expanded their services all over the USA to provide the best services and help more people get tested conveniently. As far as DirectLabs cooperates with Quest Diagnostics, this is not a problem at all.

Currently, there are more than 3000 CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited labs with experienced health professionals that are ready to assist you. You can rely on the team of DirectLabs for accurate assessment of your samples.

You can browse right now the list of the nearest labs to you.

Lab-Locator-Page-of-DirectLabs

Note: DirectLabs has its area for improvement. Unfortunately, services are not available in MD, NJ, NY, and RI.

5. Security and Confidentiality of Your Data

Confidentiality-of-Your-Personal-Data

DirectLabs takes care of your security. Your sensitive data, all the results are available only for you at your account called MyDLS®. Nobody has access to the account except for you. It’s up to you, to share or not to share the results with your family or doctor for further consultation.

You can log into your account with your username and password any time to view your orders, print requisition or print out your test results. This is secure and extremely convenient to have all the lab info on your online account.

You don’t have to go to the lab to pick up the results, moreover, many test results are available online in 24-48 hours.

Step-By-Step Testing with DirectLabs

There is nothing complicated in registration, ordering and finally getting tests done. Look through the simple 5 steps of testing with DirectLabs.

  1. 1
    If it’s your first time, you have to start with registration and create your personal account -  MyDLS. If you have an account, just log in to order the test. If you face problems with logging into your account, contact DirectLabs support team.
  2. 2
    As soon as you place an order, you’ll receive a confirmation email and receipt. Before placing the order, make sure you’ve chosen the right test, cancelation of the order will cost you an extra fee.
  3. 3
    Next step is printing your blood testing requisition. You’ll be notified via email, that you need to log into your account and print out your blood testing requisition.
  4. 4
    Print out your blood testing requisition and go to Lab Patient Service Center for a blood draw. 
  5. 5
    Results will be available online not earlier than in 24 hours, depending on the complexity of your test. If you want to share your blood test results with your doctor, just complete the HIPAA form in your MyDLS account.

Note: DirectLabs do not provide any additional services, like consultation and interpretation of your results. They do not provide a treatment program or dietary recommendations.

3 Main Disadvantages of DirectLabs

  • DirectLabs do not provide services worldwide. Currently, you can order tests from DirectLabs only in the USA, not even in all states. The services are not available in MD, NJ, NY, and RI.
  • DirectLabs ensure the accuracy of numbers,  but they don’t provide even a brief interpretation of your results. If you want to understand what those numbers mean, you have either to search yourself or schedule a consultation with your doctor.
  • Although you order the test online, to do the testing, you have to go to the lab. If there is no lab that cooperates with Directlabs in your city, that is a problem. Unlike some companies that offer test kits to do the testing in the comfort of your home, DirectLabs provides more traditional services.

Note: If you'd like to avoid visiting labs and do the testing in the privacy of your home, there is another option - LetsGetChecked. You can find out more about LetsGetChecked and its advantages over DirectLabs here:


LetsGetChecked Review (pros & cons of testing at home)

Use Code "PLANET" for 20% Off!

The Recommended Tests from DirectLabs

Cardio IQ® Advanced Lipid Panel

One of the most detailed  tests that DirectLabs provides is Cardio IQ® Advanced Lipid Panel. I always recommend this test for an in-depth assessment of cardiovascular health.

Physical exam, checking personal and family medical history in combination with ECG, MRI, cardiac CT scan and other procedures might not show the full picture of your current heart health. 

A comprehensive blood test like Cardio IQ® Advanced Lipid Panel is vital for the accurate diagnosis. 

Let’s have a look at what this test helps to asses:

  • Total Cholesterol (HDL and LDL)
  • Triglycerides
  • Non-HDL and Calculated Components
  • Lipoprotein Fractionation, Ion Mobility
  • Apolipoprotein B
  •  Lipoprotein (a) 

The results of this test help the doctor come up with individualized treatment option and prevent unwanted complications. 

NutrEval® FMV W/Nutrient & Toxic Elements-Genova Kit

Nutritious well-balanced diet is the key to good health. If your body doesn't get enough nutrients, different vitamins and minerals, you may experience it through:

  • Fatigue and low productivity
  • Mood disorders (depression, anxiety, etc)

  • Sleep disorders 

NutrEval FMV is a great diagnostic tool that helps identify nutrient deficiency, restore your health and improve your quality of life. 

NutrEval FMV assesses:

  • Metabolic Analysis Markers
  • Urine Amino Acid  
  • Essential and Metabolic Fatty Acids
  • Oxidative Stress Markers
  • Nutrient and Toxic Elemental Markers 

The results of this test will be hard to interpret yourself, however, a consultation with your doctor will make everything clear. A health professional with the help of NutrEval FMV can easily determine your needs for antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, essential fatty acids, amino acids and detoxification.

In other words, this test is great for those who experience symptoms of nutrient deficiency, and those who want to maintain a healthy body and mind, being always full of energy.

Note: Before collecting urine and blood test, make sure to read all the special instructions. For the accuracy of the results, it is important to change your diet routine and stop taking some medications for a few days, and of course, fasting is required (10-12 hours). By not following the instructions, the test results won’t be reliable.

Bottom Line

Pros of DirectLabs

  • Direct access to the lab testing, no doctors and prescriptions are needed
  • A great variety of simple individual tests and comprehensive specialty tests for various disorders
  • Discounted lab prices for  blood tests and blood test panels
  • Certified labs and health professionals
  • Absolute confidentiality of your personal data 

Cons of DirectLabs

  • These services require you visiting a lab, only urinary sample can be collected at home
  • No consultation and interpretation of your results - at Planet Naturopath we can help with this.
  • Services are not available worldwide and in MD, NJ, NY, and RI

About the Author Michael

Michael is head consultant at Planet Naturopath - Functional Medicine and Nutrition Solutions. He is a registered naturopath with the Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA) and works with clients from all over the world via video or phone consultations. He is a degree qualified naturopath from the Endeavour College of Natural Medicine in Australia with 18 years of experience. He uses advanced testing methods, nutritional medicine, herbal medicine, and lifestyle advice to help you stay healthy. He is a Kalish Method-trained practitioner that keeps updating his education with Chris Kresser. Michael completed Dr. Terry Wahls practitioner training program, a 12-month program with ongoing training that helps understand the underlying cause and treatment of MS and autoimmune conditions. He keeps up to date with the latest research into health and natural medicine through the Metabolic Fitness Pro course with Dr. Bryan Walsh.

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