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.

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.

After reviewing Direct Labs I have decided not to use their services with clients as people can order these tests a lot cheaper through me, this saves clients money.

Even if you are not a client of Planet Naturopath you can order tests through the button below. For clients of Planet Naturopath these tests can be customized to your needs.

5 Reasons You Should Choose DirectLabs

1. Your Health is in Your Hands

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.
  • These benefits are great but clients are going to find cheaper and better options ordering direct from Planet Naturopath

2. A Wide Variety of 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 tests 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:

3. Competitive 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
  • While Direct Labs prices compare favourable to competitors they are still more expensive than what we can offer clients at Planet Naturopath

4. Trusted Labs Around the USA

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.

Note: DirectLabs has its area for improvement. Unfortunately, services are not available in MD, NJ, NY, and RI. This is the case with most lab testing companies, especially for New York which has restrictions on tests from outside of N.Y.

5. Security and Confidentiality of Your 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. 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. 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. 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. Print out your blood testing requisition and go to Lab Patient Service Center for a blood draw.
  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. 
  • At Planet Naturopath most of our tests are available worldwide

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 Popular Tests from DirectLabs

Cardio IQ® Advanced Lipid Panel

One of the most detailed  tests that DirectLabs provides is Cardio IQ® Advanced Lipid Panel. At Planet Naturopath we offer a similar test with additional markers for metabolic health with our comprehensive cadio panel

Physical exam, checking personal and family medical history in combination with ECG, MRI, cardiac CT scan are also important when considering cardiovascular 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. 

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.

Do you need help deciding on the best test options for you? Or have you done testing and need help with interpretation of results? You can schedule a consultation through the link below.

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
  • 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
  • More expensive than ordering through Planet Naturopath, and you will not get the same support to understand the results.

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