EverlyWell Reviews 2024: How Does It Work? Real Results, Pros & Cons

About The Brand

Nowadays the demand for at-home health tests has skyrocketed. This is largely because our healthcare systems are strained, and home-based tests are an affordable, convenient way to test your health. If you’re in search of a home-based testing kit, you will likely run across many different brands.

In this article, we will discuss EverlyWell, one of the most popular at-home testing kits available today. We’ll discuss how it works, and the standard tests offered, and help you determine if their home tests are right for you.

What Is EverlyWell?

EverlyWell was founded in 2015 and is based out of Austin, TX.  The company offers modernized lab testing by allowing individuals to access credible laboratory tests in the convenience of their own homes. 

Like other reputable home testing companies, EverlyWell uses laboratory-developed tests (LDTs) that are designed, developed, and performed in a single laboratory monitored by the FDA. 

Plus, all testing uses best-in-class science to provide the highest quality tests possible and is under the supervision of a board-certified physician. 

The labs that process the tests by EverlyWell are monitored under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA). 

EverlyWell is Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) compliant and allows for discreet testing. However, all records are permanently stored. You must contact the customer service team to discuss deleting old records.

EverlyWell aims to help people take a proactive approach to their health with quality and accuracy that is the same or better than you would expect from a healthcare provider’s office. They sell convenient tests that test for sexually transmitted diseases ( STDs), check your hormone levels, blood sugar levels, and more.

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How Does EverlyWell Work?

Ordering an EverlyWell at-home lab testing test kit is a very straightforward process. Here’s a look at how EverlyWell works and what you can expect from their testing kits.

Step 1: Order Your Testing Kit

Choose your kit from Everlywell’s website. After you order, your test will arrive at your doorstep within 5-10 business days. Your kit will include a prepaid expedited shipping label to send your sample to the lab. Once you register your kit, a physician will approve your order, and your sample is ready to be collected.

Step 2: Collect Your Sample

Your kit will come with detailed instructions and all the equipment to collect your sample. Depending on the test you order, you may have to submit a saliva sample, blood test, stool sample, or urine sample.

In addition to the instructions, EverlyWell also has several sample collection videos to help with accuracy.

Step 3: Send Your Sample To The Lab

Each kit comes with a biohazard bag and prepaid return shipping package to allow you to seamlessly send in your test. Simply write your name, collection time, and date, and send your sample to a CLIA-certified lab.

Step 4: Receive Your Results Online

Within days, you can expect your EverlyWell test results to be available online via Everlywell’s secure platform. You’ll receive an email when your results are ready. If your test comes with a telehealth appointment, you can easily share your results with your healthcare provider.

Are EverlyWell Tests Accurate?

According to Everlywell’s website, their at-home sample collection testing has proven to be just as accurate as a test you would receive at a clinic. The test kits they offer are validated against testing methods conducted in physician’s offices and other healthcare clinics. 

However, testing at home still leaves room for procedural mistakes regardless of the lab quality. It’s important to follow the provided instructions to avoid errors in sample collection.

Some of their tests are likely more accurate than others. For example, Everlywell’s food sensitivity test may not be as accurate as we want to believe. Food sensitivity testing is typically discouraged by healthcare providers and is considered inaccurate^[1]. This is because there is limited evidence supporting the use of immunoglobulin G (IgG) tests to check for food sensitivities.

In contrast, their Covid-19 home test is authorized by the FDA^[2] for emergency use and has greater than 95% sensitivity and greater than 98% specificity. 

Nevertheless, laboratories partnered with EverlyWell have performed millions of tests and are considered to be industry leaders. All labs perform internal quality controls in addition to third-party validation for the accuracy of testing.

Common Tests In EverlyWell 

EverlyWell currently offers over 30 at-home health tests. Here are their five most popular tests, according to their website.

Food Sensitivity Test

The food sensitivity test measures your body’s immune response by measuring your IgG antibody reactivity to 96 different foods. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, IgG antibodies are made by your immune system and can react to bacteria, viruses, and other foreign invaders. 

Each food will rank from zero (least reactive) to three (higher reactivity). The higher an IgG reactivity, the higher the chances are of the food causing unwanted symptoms. You can create a list of foods to temporarily remove as part of an elimination diet by knowing your trigger foods. You can gradually add in foods to determine the root cause. 

It’s important to note that these tests do not test for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), celiac disease, or lactose intolerance.

Additionally, as mentioned earlier, clinicians often avoid food sensitivity tests because they can lead to unnecessary food restrictions. This is especially true if you have a history of an eating disorder. To discuss any food sensitivities, you should consider speaking with an immunologist/or registered dietitian.

Indoor & Outdoor Allergy Test

The indoor and outdoor allergy test allows you to test for 40 common indoor and outdoor allergens.  The test works by measuring your body’s immunoglobulin (IgE) antibody reactivity to suspected allergens. The lab will test your blood samples against different allergens and measure your antibody response.  Your reactivity to each allergen will range from very low to very high. If you take antihistamines, your results won’t be affected since the test measures your antibody reactions.

It’s important to note this test alone cannot diagnose an allergy. However, this test may be a good option for you if you’re looking to avoid allergens in your home. However, it’s a good idea to speak to an allergist or healthcare provider to discuss results and develop steps going forward.

Thyroid Test

The thyroid test uses a small blood sample to check your levels of three main hormones: thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free T3, and free T4. Everlywell’s thyroid test also measures thyroid peroxidase antibodies, which are often high in those with Hashimoto’s^[3]. Your results will tell you your TSH, free T3, and free T4 levels and how they compare to normal levels. If you believe you are experiencing thyroid dysfunction, you’ll want to make an appointment with your endocrinologist, who will likely do repeat tests and develop a treatment plan for you.

COVID-19 Test

One of the most popular tests offered by EverlyWell is their FDA-authorized COVID-19 test. Whether you are symptomatic or asymptomatic, you can quickly test for SARS-COV-2 in the comfort of your own home. The company offers a non-invasive lower nasal swab test for minimal discomfort. Once the lab receives your samples, your results will be available within 24-48 hours. You’ll also have the option of a telehealth consultation to guide you through your next steps. 

STD Test

EverlyWell is known for its comprehensive sexual health tests. The company offers STD testing for both males and females that tests for seven commonly sexually transmitted infections. One of the benefits of using Everlywell’s home-based STD testing is if you receive a positive test result, you’ll have the opportunity to speak with a board-certified doctor free of charge. The doctor will provide medical advice and, if necessary, prescriptions.

Benefits & Potential Risks

As with all at-home testing, there may be slightly more potential for collection error than being tested in a more traditional setting. Additionally, if you find a result that needs attention, you’ll end up having to consult with a healthcare professional to retest and treat.

However, tests such as COVID-19 can be an excellent way to test at home while quarantining. 

However, you should never replace these tests for medical advice or to diagnose yourself. If you’re curious, these tests could be an excellent place to start and pave the way for a visit with a qualified healthcare provider. 

How To Choose An EverlyWell Test?

Choosing a test is simple and easy. Simply log in to their home page and review testing options. 

In addition to the popular tests discussed earlier, here are a few other tests offered by EverlyWell.

• Vitamin D test
• Ovarian reserve test
• Metabolism test
• Women’s fertility test
• HPV test
• Sleep and stress test
• Men’s health comprehensive test
• Lyme disease test
• Heavy metals test
• Fecal immunochemical test for colon cancer
• Cholesterol and lipids test
• Heart health test

EverlyWell Reviews: What Do Real Users Say About EverlyWell?

Here’s a look at some of Everlywell’s food sensitivity test reviews:

5 out of 5 stars, verified Amazon purchase

The blood sample was fairly easy to collect. I put my test in the mail on Monday and got my test results on Friday. Highly recommend it. Found out I had a moderate reaction to some things I eat often and had no idea they were the culprit for my stomach pain. I thought I was gluten intolerant or something, but eliminating gluten wasn’t really helping. It turns out it is yeast and dairy!

KC

1 out of 5 stars, verified Amazon purchase

I rated this one star solely for the fact that it was inaccurate. I recently had a lot of weight gain and wanted to see if anything stood out for my metabolism. Everlywell’s test said that everything was normal, but I still didn’t feel at ease with that, so I scheduled an appointment to do further testing. Come to find out that my TSH levels are by no means normal. They turned out to be extremely high. The doctor is saying I may have hypothyroidism, so I’m glad I stuck with my gut in this one. Because they were by no means normal.

Aurora

Where To Order EverlyWell Tests?

EverlyWell testing kits can be ordered online via their website or picked up at a few local supermarkets. Here’s where you can purchase EverlyWell:

• Amazon
• Target (in-person and online)
• Kroger (in person and online)
• Walgreens (in person and online)
• DoorDash (COVID testing only)
• CVS (in-person and online)

Alternatives To EverlyWell

Final Thought

Having health testing available at your fingertips can be convenient and empowering. If you’re curious and have extra money to spend, home testing companies such as EverlyWell can be a great option.  

These kits can be fun to use, but always use them with caution. It’s essential to not diagnose yourself or disregard a medical condition based on testing results before speaking with a qualified healthcare provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

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