We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.
Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
Testing for health conditions at home is becoming increasingly popular. Before buying an at-home thyroid test, a person should consider which hormones the test detects, how much it costs, and how quickly the results arrive.
This article looks at a range of home thyroid tests a person can consider and whether they work. It also discusses some of the most frequently asked questions about home thyroid tests.
- Best consultations: LetsGetChecked | Skip to review
- Best membership discounts: Everlywell | Skip to review
- Best support from thyroid specialists: Paloma | Skip to review
- Best for free shipping: myLAB Box | Skip to review
- Best for detailed results: ZRT Laboratory | Skip to review
Medical News Today selects products that meet the following criteria, when possible:
- Ease of ordering: Ordering testing kits, sending samples, and getting results are easy.
- Medically reviewed: Medical professionals such as nurses or doctors review the results and can provide information, though a person should still discuss any positive results with their own doctor.
- Follow-up advice: The testing companies offer additional guidance when a result is positive.
Below are some at-home thyroid tests from popular testing companies. None of these companies state that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved their thyroid tests.
Please note that the writer has not tested these products. All information is research-based.
Best for consultations: LetsGetChecked
- List price: $79 or $99, depending on the test
- Results time: 2–5 days
- Type of test: finger prick
- Insurance coverage: no insurance coverage
- Tests for antibodies: yes
- Medically reviewed: yes
LetsGetChecked offers two thyroid tests. One test measures the three main thyroid hormones: thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4). The other test measures antibodies as well as hormone levels.
A person takes a finger-prick blood sample, then returns it to the company right away using the prepaid shipping label in the kit.
According to LetsGetChecked, the results are typically available in 2–5 days.
Pricing starts from $79, and people can also enroll onto the subscription option to save money and receive the test kit every three months.
The company’s team of doctors and nurses reviews the results and contacts the customers to discuss what their results mean. They can discuss any concerns and advise about next steps if the result is positive.
Learn more about LetsGetChecked.
Pros
- results available in 2–5 days
- guidance from a healthcare professional if the result is positive
Cons
- possibility of inaccuracy if there are errors in taking the sample, as with all at-home tests
Best membership discounts: EverlyWell
- List price: $149
- Results time: several days
- Type of test: finger prick
- Insurance coverage: no
- Tests for antibodies: yes
- Medically reviewed: yes
The EverlyWell at-home thyroid test measures thyroid hormone levels and antibodies in a finger-prick blood sample.
The testing kit includes everything a person needs, including a prepaid shipping label.
EverlyWell says that a doctor reviews each result. The results are available to view on the company’s secure online platform. A person can also view detailed information about what the results mean.
Once a person accesses their results, they can set up a call to discuss them with a healthcare professional if they want more detail.
Customers can also choose to speak with a doctor before ordering an at-home health test.
There is also a membership option for people who wish to get tested every month. This allows them to save 75% of the total price.
Pros
- the option of membership to reduce the cost per test
- results available on a secure platform
Cons
- high cost for one-time purchases
- not available for people in New York
Best for support from thyroid specialists: Paloma Complete Thyroid Blood Test Kit
- List price: $99 (complete thyroid test)
- Results time: 7 days
- Type of test: finger prick
- Insurance coverage: insurance coverage for appointments only
- Tests for antibodies: yes
- Medically reviewed: yes
This test measures levels of TSH, free T4, free T3, and thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO), which can be
This company only produces thyroid tests, and its medical team includes endocrinologists, dieticians, and wellness experts.
After a person receives their results, they get ongoing personal guidance from a thyroid specialist. A person also gets treatment recommendations generated by an algorithm that medical professionals supervise, according to Paloma.
The test requires a finger-prick blood sample, and its results are available within a week. An individual can choose to add a vitamin D and reverse T3 test to their purchase at checkout.
The company accepts payments from flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs).
The Paloma Complete Thyroid Blood Test Kit costs $99 for nonmembers and $75 for members. Membership costs $16 a month.
Paloma members can also use their health insurance to pay for appointments with the company’s doctors. These cost $42 for people without membership or insurance.
Pros
- thyroid specialists on staff
- ongoing supervision and regular medication and treatment plan updates
- online learning resources and community
Cons
- $42 for an appointment without insurance
- no tests other than thyroid tests
Best for free shipping: myLAB Box
- List price: $119
- Results time: 2–5 days
- Type of test: finger prick
- Insurance coverage: no insurance coverage
- Tests for antibodies: yes
- Medically reviewed: yes
myLAB Box offers a thyroid health screening test for males and females. The sample collection method is a finger prick test. It comes with free shipping but is not available to New York residents.
The company states it issues results in 2–5 days, and customers can attend an online doctor consultation if they receive a positive result.
Individuals who wish to get tested every 6months can opt for the subscription option. The company accepts FSA and HSA payments.
Learn more about myLAB Box here.
Pros
- option of testing every 6 months via subscription
- FSA or HSA payments
- results within a few days
Cons
- consultations for those with positive results only
- no shipping to New York
- potential difficulty reaching customer services
Best for detailed results: ZRT Laboratory
- List price: $175–349
- Results time: 5–7 days
- Type of test: finger prick and dried urine
- Insurance coverage: out-of-network provider with some insurance companies
- Tests for antibodies: yes
- Medically reviewed: yes
ZRT Laboratory has two thyroid test kits that a person can order online and take at home.
The company’s Blood Spot Test Kits include:
- Essential Thyroid Profile: This checks levels of free T3, free T4, TPOab, and TSH.
- Elite Thyroid Profile: This checks levels of T4, thyroglobulin, free T4, free T3, TPO, and TSH.
The company also has these tests:
- Blood test: This checks levels of free T3, free T4, TPO, TSH, thyroglobulin, and T4.
- Dried urine test: This checks levels of iodine, bromine, selenium, lithium, arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and creatine.
The detailed results include an overview of each symptom a person has reported, the ranges of each hormone and antibody measured, and a full explanation of the results by a doctor. A person can find a sample report online.
ZRT Laboratory does not offer follow-up advice, and discussing the results with a healthcare professional is key.
A person can expect to receive their results within 5–7 days of the lab receiving the sample.
Pros
- a comprehensive breakdown of results
- wide range of hormones and antibodies measured
Cons
- up to a week to wait for results
- no follow-up service
- high cost, compared with some other brands
The table below compares the different tests in this article.
| Product | Price | Result time | Type of test | Insurance coverage | Tests for antibodies | Medically reviewed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LetsGetChecked | $79 or $99, depending on the test | 2–5 days | finger prick | no | yes | yes |
| EverlyWell | $149 | several days | finger prick | no | yes | yes |
| Paloma | $99 | 7 days | finger prick | tests not covered, appointments covered | yes | yes |
| myLAB Box | $119 | 2–5 days | finger prick | no | yes | yes |
| ZRT Laboratory | $175–349 | 5–7 days | finger prick, dried urine | bills some companies as an out-of-network provider | yes | yes |
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the neck. It helps regulate the production of hormones that affect sleep, metabolism, and other key functions.
Problems with the thyroid can cause a range of symptoms,
Because other health conditions can cause these symptoms, a doctor may not immediately order a thyroid test if a person only has one of these symptoms.
In this case, a person might consider using an at-home test to determine whether a thyroid issue could be causing their symptoms.
Common thyroid disorders
About
Other thyroid conditions include:
- hyperthyroidism, which is an overactive thyroid
- a goiter
- thyroid cancer
- thyroid nodules
At-home thyroid tests typically measure several thyroid hormones, including:
- TSH
- T3
- T4
Some tests also check for thyroid antibodies. The presence of these can indicate the autoimmune disease Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
The results of the test help a person determine whether there is a need to consult a doctor.
Using a testing kit involves taking a finger-prick blood sample, placing the sample in a plastic bag, and returning it to the company in the provided envelope.
Each testing kit has specific instructions, and it is essential to follow these carefully to ensure an accurate result.
Some testing companies also have a doctor review the person’s results. If a person prefers, the company may be able to send the results to their regular doctor.
It is important to note that several things
Examples that affect thyroid hormone levels include:
- pregnancy
- underlying health conditions
- older age
- certain medications, such as opioids, androgens, and estrogen
Biotin supplements can affect the results of a thyroid test.
Why use an at-home test?
At-home testing offers several advantages. These
- convenience
- cost-effectiveness
- quick results
- confidentiality
Do private medical insurance plans cover the costs?
Most private health insurance companies do not cover the costs of at-home testing.
But some at-home test providers accept payments from FSAs or HRAs.
A blood test showing a high level of TSH may indicate someone has hypothyroidism.
Higher levels of TSH and T4 levels in a typical range may mean that a person is at risk of developing hypothyroidism in the future.
People who receive results that show they have low levels of TSH and higher levels of T3 or T4 may suggest they have hyperthyroidism.
However, it is important to discuss any at-home thyroid test results with a healthcare professional to ensure a person is interpreting the results correctly.
If symptoms persist, a person should contact a healthcare professional.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism may include:
- fatigue
- extra sensitivity to cold temperatures
- constipation
- weight gain
- irregular or heavy periods
- depression
- a slow heart rate
- joint aches and pains
- a puffy face
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism may include:
- nervousness
- weakness and fatigue
- extra sensitivity to hot temperatures
- problems sleeping
- a hand tremor
- diarrhea
- weight loss
If symptoms indicate a thyroid disorder, but the result of an at-home test is negative, contact a doctor for advice.
Below are answers to some common questions about at-home thyroid tests.
Are at-home thyroid tests reliable?
Studies have not assessed the accuracy of these tests.
To help ensure accuracy, a person should carefully follow the testing kit’s instructions and discuss any positive result with a doctor, who can provide guidance and describe the treatment options available.
Do home thyroid tests work?
Thyroid tests can show whether a person has levels of thyroid hormones or antibodies that suggest a health problem.
The
It is important to discuss the results of a home test with a doctor. These tests should not replace regular checkups. If a person has symptoms of a thyroid disorder, but their results are negative, they should still speak with a doctor.
What are the early warning signs of thyroid problems?
Symptoms of thyroid issues often develop slowly. As a result, a person may not notice any changes for several years. Some symptoms of thyroid conditions can include:
- weight gain or loss
- sensitivity to cold
- hair loss
- anxiety or depression
- heavier or irregular menstrual periods
Do I need to fast before a thyroid test?
Usually, a person does not need to fast before an at-home test. However, follow all the instructions that a company provides in its kit.
What happens if test results indicate a thyroid problem?
A person should contact their doctor if they receive a positive test result. The doctor may confirm the result with a blood test in their office or clinic.
Some companies offer follow-up consultations with healthcare professionals, who can answer questions and describe the next steps.
If a person receives a negative result but continues to experience concerning symptoms, they should contact a healthcare professional.
At-home thyroid tests can help people feel more in control of their health. For example, these tests may also be more convenient than visiting a clinic. People can often access their results in a few days and review them with a doctor.
It is essential to discuss any positive result with a healthcare professional and, if necessary, develop a treatment plan.