Mylab Box Review: Accuracy, Cons, and What to Expect?

MyLAB Box is an online health testing service that offers over 50 at-home testing kits, including options for sexual health, fertility, nutrition, and more.

Based in Los Angeles, MyLAB Box lets you check your status at home with its wide range of kits. Its test kit options include thyroid screening tests, vitamin D tests, food sensitivity tests, and metabolism tests.

In this review, we will explore the test options offered by myLAB Box and their features. We will also highlight key factors we’ve considered in evaluating the company’s credibility, helping you decide whether these tests are reliable.

About MyLab Box

MyLab Box can help you manage your health by providing reliable, easy-to-use, at-home testing options. Founded in 2014 by Lora Ivanova and Ursula Hessenflow, MyLab Box claims to make health testing more accessible and affordable.

As per the official website, MyLab Box offers a broad range of test kits, covering areas such as Sexual Health, Fertility & Family Planning, Drugs & Toxicology, and General and Nutritional tests. The makers state that all kits are discreetly packaged, and you get expert support, including guidance from leading medical professionals like Dr. Gary Richwald, Dr. Jeffrey Klausner, and Dr. Jennifer S. Smith, if your results are positive.

According to the makers, MyLab Box partners with labs that are CAP-accredited and CLIA-certified for high-complexity diagnostic testing. They also claim to keep your data protected through strict HIPAA web security protocols. As per the official website, MyLab Box is CDC-listed and allows you to pay using FSA or HSA cards.

MyLab Box Tests

1. STD Tests At Home

   MyLab Box offers a range of at-home STD tests, providing an easy and private way to check for common sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

   Its Uber Box ($199) includes an 8-panel test that checks for the most common STIs, ensuring a thorough evaluation of your sexual health. The brand also features Total Box, which includes a 14-panel test covering a wide array of infections for people seeking detailed screening. For people looking to screen for high-risk STIs, MyLab Box offers kits like Safe Box tests for five prevalent infections.

   For women concerned about vaginal health, the brand’s V-Box tests for multiple causes of abnormal vaginal discharge, including bacterial vaginosis (BV), yeast infections, trichomoniasis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. MyLab Box also offers targeted tests like the Genital Herpes Test ($89), which screens for the Herpes Simplex Virus-2 (HSV-2), a common infection that can be present without symptoms.

   As per the official website, the Chlamydia + Gonorrhea Test by MyLab Box screens for two of the most common STIs in the U.S., while the Chlamydia + Gonorrhea 3-Site Test offers testing in the genital area, mouth, and rectum, ensuring a more thorough check. It also features an HIV Test that can help detect the presence of the HIV virus, which, if untreated, can lead to AIDS.

2. Wellness At Home Tests

   MyLab Box’s Wellness At-Home Testing provides proactive health management by helping you track key indicators such as hormone levels, nutritional status, and chronic condition risk factors.

   The Vitamin D Test by MyLab Box helps you evaluate whether your Vitamin D levels are adequate to support immune function, bone strength, and mood balance. MyLab Box’s Thyroid Screening Test helps you detect hormone imbalances that can affect metabolism and energy.

   As per the official website, MyLab Box also offers the Indoor/Outdoor Allergy Test, which helps you measure IgE reactivity to 33 common allergens, offering clarity for people experiencing allergic symptoms.

   For dietary concerns, the Food Sensitivity Test by MyLab Box lets you check your immune responses to 96 foods, helping identify potential triggers of bloating, fatigue, or skin issues.

   The brand also features the Weight Loss Test, which can provide insight into hormonal and metabolic markers, such as Estradiol, Testosterone, Cortisol, and HbA1c, that may impact weight regulation. Its Colorectal Cancer Screening could help you identify hidden blood in stool, a potential early sign of cancerous or precancerous growths.

3. Family Planning Tests

   The Male Fertility Test by MyLab Box is an easy-to-use at-home test created to help men assess their sperm count, an important factor in male fertility.

   For women, the brand offers the Ovulation Confirmation Test, which could provide insight into Progesterone levels, helping you identify the best time to conceive by tracking ovulation cycles.

   For men concerned about their reproductive health, MyLab Box also features the Testosterone Test, which can provide an evaluation of testosterone levels that can impact fertility.

   Women can use MyLab Box’s Female Fertility Test, which lets them measure a range of hormones, including AMH, Estradiol, Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Prolactin, FT4, and TSH.

4. Women’s Health Tests At Home

   As per the official website, MyLab Box offers the Perimenopause Test, which can help you measure key hormones such as FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), Estradiol, and Progesterone, providing insights into the early signs of perimenopause. These hormonal fluctuations can affect menstrual cycles, mood, and your weight.

   The brand also provides the Postmenopause Test, which may help you track Estradiol and Progesterone levels to address symptoms of menopause, including changes in metabolism, bone density, libido, sleep disturbances, and cognitive function.

   For women who want an in-depth look at their health and fertility, MyLab Box’s Women’s Health + Fertility Test can help you measure a range of hormones and markers, including Testosterone, Estradiol, Progesterone, DHEA, Cortisol, LH (luteinizing hormone), FSH, fT3, fT4, TSH, and TPO. These hormones can influence fertility, stress response, thyroid health, and reproductive function.

MyLab Box Advantages

1. Detailed Test Options

   MyLab Box provides different test options for various health concerns, such as thyroid, metabolism, sexual health, and men’s health. People seeking insight into sexual health can use MyLab Box’s STD tests, like the Uber Box and the Total Box. The Uber Box includes an 8-panel test for the most common STIs, while the Total Box offers an expanded 14-panel test for a thorough evaluation.

   MyLab Box also features tests like the Chlamydia + Gonorrhea 3-Site Test and the Genital Herpes Test, which focus on specific infections, allowing for more targeted testing when needed. The brand also features wellness tests like the Vitamin D Test and Thyroid Screening Test, allowing you to check your hormonal and vitamin levels at home.

2. User-Friendly Test Kits

   MyLab Box mentions that each test comes with clear, step-by-step instructions, ensuring that you can collect samples with ease. For example, the Male Fertility Test comes with a testing device, two semen analysis test kits, and semen sample collection cups. You’ll also get clear instructions and access to a free fertility improvement app, giving you proper guidance. MyLab Box also provides free telemedicine consultations if your results are positive.

3. Convenient At-Home Testing

   MyLab Box can provide a convenient way to manage your health from home, eliminating the need for in-person visits to a clinic. It offers a variety of lab-certified tests that may cover different aspects of your health, including sexual health and general wellness. The tests are simple to use at home, ensuring a comfortable, private experience without the hassle of waiting rooms or the stigma some may feel in clinical settings.

MyLab Box Limitations

1. Limited Customer Support Channels

   MyLab Box does not provide live chat assistance and lacks a phone support line. It only offers email-based customer service, which can be slow when you need quick answers. If you’re having trouble with sample collection or are unsure how to use your test kit, they don’t offer support to resolve your query right away. This limited support setup can make the experience feel unresponsive, especially when time-sensitive health concerns are involved.

2. Lack of In-Person Consultation Support

   MyLab Box at-home testing can be convenient, but it lacks the immediate medical guidance that a traditional healthcare setting would offer. If you receive a result that raises concerns, such as a positive test for an STI or an abnormal hormone level, there is no immediate access to a healthcare provider who can explain the results, offer the next steps, or provide prescriptions if needed. MyLab Box’s model primarily focuses on self-testing, and although they offer online results and some follow-up services, the absence of in-person consultation could be a limitation for users who prefer in-person interactions or need personalized medical advice.

MyLab Box Alternatives Brands

1. LetsGet Checked

   LetsGetChecked is a healthcare company focused on providing at-home health tests and virtual consultations. It claims to offer over 30 tests that measure more than 50 biomarkers, helping people manage their health conveniently and privately.

   As per its official website, LetsGetChecked also delivers quick, accurate results with easy-to-understand insights without needing in-person doctor visits. LetsGetChecked covers a broad spectrum of tests, including sexual health, thyroid, and fertility. It offers 24/7 access to a clinical team for consultations and medical advice.

   On the other hand, MyLab Box also offers extensive testing, including nutrition, fertility, drug use, and a strong emphasis on sexual health. However, it provides physician consultations only if your test returns a positive result. Both platforms, LetsGetChecked and MyLab Box, offer secure, discreet packaging and respect user privacy.

2. Everlywell

   Everlywell and myLAB Box both provide at-home health testing kits, each offering distinct advantages depending on what you’re looking for.

   As per its official website, Everlywell focuses on wellness-oriented tests like food sensitivity, hormone levels, thyroid function, and vitamin deficiencies, with over 30 test options available, along with a Vitamin D test kit.

   In contrast, myLAB Box offers a significantly broader selection, with over 100 test types, including sexual health, nutrition, fertility, toxicology, and general wellness. For example, it also provides comprehensive STD panels like the 8-panel Uber Box.

   According to the official website, Everlywell’s tests support HSA and FSA payments. The company also offers a subscription model for ongoing wellness tracking. MyLAB Box, on the other hand, also accepts HSA and FSA, providing more pricing flexibility depending on your needs. While both services use CLIA-certified labs, myLAB Box works with labs that are both CLIA- and CAP-accredited.

How Did We Evaluate The MyLab Box?

1. Brand Reputation

   To evaluate MyLab Box’s credibility, we compared it to two alternative home testing brands, Everlywell and LetsGetChecked. MyLab Box has received a 2.4 Trustpilot rating based on 358 reviews, which indicates issues like slow shipping, poor communication, and unresponsive customer service. The limited number of reviews also raises concerns about the brand’s reach and reliability. In contrast, Everlywell offers a broader test selection and holds a 3.7 rating from 450+ reviews. It’s known for convenience, though some users experience delays and support issues. LetsGetChecked stands out with a 4.6 rating from over 18,000+ reviews on TrustPilot. It consistently delivers fast results and responsive support.

2. Consumer Feedback

   We assessed MyLab Box based on user experiences from Amazon, focusing on ease of use, result accuracy, turnaround time, and customer support. Many users found that MyLab Box’s kits are simple to use, with clear instructions and convenient at-home collection. When results were delivered, they were generally well-organized and easy to interpret, offering helpful insights, particularly the tests for Food Sensitivity and Heart Health.

   However, consistency in service was a major concern. A large number of users mentioned that they never received their results, even after repeated follow-ups. The users shared that MyLab Box’s customer support is unresponsive or difficult to reach. As per the available reviews on Amazon, in some cases, customers were sent replacement kits but still failed to get usable results, raising questions about reliability and accountability.

3. Value for Money

   We have evaluated MyLab Box by comparing its pricing and features with other brands to determine if it provides value for the price. MyLab Box offers a basic thyroid health screening test for $125, which is fair if you are seeking a simple check-up on core thyroid markers. While it isn’t the most detailed test available, the value is reasonable for people not requiring additional features like antibody testing.

   Everlywell’s thyroid test, on the other hand, is priced at $149, which is on the higher end but offers a better user experience with app integration. However, the premium price doesn’t necessarily deliver additional clinical value, as it lacks antibody testing and some other advanced features. LetsGetChecked also offers a thyroid antibody test for $119, which provides more comprehensive insights, especially for people concerned with autoimmune thyroid conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are MyLab Box tests FDA-approved?
   No, Mylab Box at-home tests are not FDA-approved, but these tests are used for clinical evaluation.
2. Can I purchase MyLab Box with an HSA or FSA card?
   Yes, MyLab Box accepts most Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) payment cards.
3. How does MyLab Box ensure the confidentiality of my results?
   MyLab Box claims to adhere to HIPAA privacy standards, ensuring that your results are kept confidential and only shared with you unless otherwise authorized.

Conclusion

MyLab Box can offer a convenient approach for at-home health testing, with a variety of kits covering STD testing, women’s health, fertility, and thyroid function. The brand prioritizes privacy, allowing you to complete tests discreetly at home with easy-to-follow instructions and reliable results. However, there are some limitations you should consider. The accuracy of at-home tests can be influenced by factors such as sample collection, timing, and proper use, which may not be as controlled as in a clinical setting.

MyLab Box offers limited customer support, with no live assistance or in-person consultations, which may be a disadvantage for people needing immediate guidance. You may try or consider MyLab Box if you want to monitor your health from home. However, it is better to consult a medical professional if you are experiencing persistent symptoms like fever, unexplained weight gain, or a UTI to rule out the underlying cause and for personalized medical support.