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If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. 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. Share on PinterestThis article looks at a range of home thyroid tests a person can consider and looks into whether home thyroid tests work. It also discusses some of the most frequently asked questions about home thyroid tests. Quick linksBest for consultations LetsGetCheckedBest membership discounts: EverlywellBest for support from thyroid specialists: PalomaBest for free shipping myLAB BoxBest low-cost thyroid test: HealthLabsBest for home and lab testing Health Testing CentersBest for detailed results ZRT Laboratory At-home thyroid tests How we choose products Medical News Today selects products that meet the following criteria, when possible:Ease of ordering: Ordering testing kits, sending off samples, and getting results is 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 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 $99 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 review the results and contact 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. Prosresults available in 2–5 daysguidance from a healthcare professional if the result is positive Conspossibility of inaccuracy if there are errors in taking the sample, as with all at-home testsSHOP NOW Best membership discounts EverlyWell 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. In addition, the test costs $99. There is also the membership option for persons who wish to get tested every month. This allows them to save 75% of the total price. Learn more about EverlyWell. Prosthe option of membership to reduce the cost per testresults available on a secure platform Conshigh cost for one-time purchasesnot available for people in New York SHOP NOW Best for support from thyroid specialists Paloma Complete Thyroid Blood Test Kit This test measures levels of TSH, free T4, free T3, and thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO), which can be elevated in people with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. 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. A person 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 non-members 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 staffongoing supervision and regular medication and treatment plan updatesonline learning resources and community Cons$42 for an appointment without insuranceno tests other than thyroid testsSHOP NOW Best for free shipping myLAB Box 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. The thyroid test costs $99. Individuals who wish to get tested every six months 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 subscriptionFSA or HSA payments results within a few days Consconsultations for those with positive results onlyno shipping to New Yorkpotential difficulty reaching customer servicesSHOP NOW Best for individual thyroid tests HealthLabs HealthLabs offers individual tests for each thyroid hormone and antibody, as well as more comprehensive panels. The tests include:Thyroid Panel: This checks for T3, T4, and T7, a measure that doctors use to estimate free T4 levels.Thyroid Panel with TSH: This checks levels of T4, T3, T7, and TSH.Free T3 and Free T4: These are separate tests for free T3 and free T4.T3: This test checks levels of free and bound T3.Total T4: This checks levels of free and bound T4.Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulin: This test measures levels of an antibody that mimics the action of TSH.TSH: This is the main tool for diagnosing thyroid disease. TSH levels are low in someone with hyperthyroidism and high in someone with hypothyroidism.TPO: The results of this test can indicate Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, a condition that causes the immune system to attack the thyroid gland, leading to hypothyroidism.Parathyroid hormone: Checking levels of this hormone can help doctors diagnose parathyroid disease and other conditions that involve the regulation of calcium in the body. Each test is individually priced, and a person should consider whether they need specific information or a more general assessment of their thyroid health. A person needs to undergo the testing in a lab. The company says that the results are available within 24–72 hours. Prices of these tests range from $39–119, and shipping is free. Proswide range of individual testssome are low costaccepts HSA and FSA paymentfast results Consonly two tests measure more than one hormone or antibodyno information online about the sample collection methodthe need to visit a labSHOP NOW Best for home and lab testing Health Testing Centers This company offers individual tests for TSH, TPO, free T3, T4, and reverse T3. A person can take certain tests at home. All are available in a lab. If a person orders an at-home test, shipping can take 5–7 days. Alternately, a person can give their sample at a LabCorp or Quest Diagnostics lab without making an appointment. The company says that results arrive in 1–2 days. Prices range from $39–639. Prosquick resultschoice of home or lab testingno need for a lab appointment Consup to a week to wait for a home testunsuitability for home use, for some testshigh cost, for some testsSHOP NOW Best for detailed results ZRT Laboratory 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. Tests cost $175–349. Prosa comprehensive breakdown of resultswide range of hormones and antibodies measured Consup to a week to wait for resultsno follow-up servicehigh cost, compared with some other brandsSHOP NOW Test comparisons The table below compares the different tests in this article.ProductPriceResult timeType of testInsurance coverageTests for antibodiesMedically reviewedLetsGetChecked$99 or $119, depending on the test2–5 daysfinger pricknoyesyesEverlyWell$99 or $24.99 with membershipseveral daysfinger pricknoyesyesPaloma$79–99, $16 monthly membership7 daysfinger pricktests not covered, appointments coveredyesyesmyLAB Box$992–5 daysfinger pricknoyesyesHealthLabs$39–11924–72finger pricknoyesyesHealth Testing Centers$39–6391–2 daysfinger pricknoyesyesZRT Laboratory$175–3495–7 daysfinger prick, dried urinebills some companies as an out-of-network provideryesyes About the thyroid 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, including:fatiguedry skinconstipationjoint painweight changesfeeling coldanxietyirritabilitydepression 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 5 in 100 people in the United States have hypothyroidism, also known as an underactive thyroid. In this case, the glad produces too few hormones. Other thyroid conditions include:hyperthyroidism, which is an overactive thyroida goiterthyroid cancerthyroid nodules Learn more about common thyroid disorders here. How do at-home thyroid tests work At-home thyroid tests typically measure several thyroid hormones, including:TSHT3T4 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 see 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 the person’s regular doctor. It is important to note that several things can interfere with thyroid test results, either by affecting the test itself or by affecting a person’s thyroid hormone levels. Examples that affect a person’s thyroid hormone levels include:pregnancyunderlying health conditionsolder agecertain 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 include:conveniencecost-effectivenessquick 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. When to see a doctor If a person’s symptoms persist, they should contact a healthcare professional. Symptoms of hypothyroidism may include:fatigueextra sensitivity to cold temperaturesconstipationweight gainirregular or heavy periodsdepressiona slow heart ratejoint aches and painsa puffy face Symptoms of hyperthyroidism may include:nervousnessweakness and fatigueextra sensitivity to hot temperaturesproblems sleepinga hand tremordiarrhea weight loss If symptoms indicate a thyroid disorder, but the result of an at-home test is negative, contact a doctor for advice. Frequently asked questions 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 FDA considers home test kits to be helpful for detecting conditions in people without symptoms and useful for health monitoring in people who need to regularly adjust their treatment plans. However, the FDA does not describe the effectiveness or accuracy of thyroid tests. 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 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 losssensitivity to coldhair lossanxiety or depressionheavier 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. Summary At-home thyroid tests can help people feel more in control of their health. These tests may also be more convenient than visiting a clinic, for example. A person 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. Last medically reviewed on May 24, 2022Hypothyroid 7 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Home use tests. (2019).https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/in-vitro-diagnostics/home-use-testsHyperthyroidism (overactive). (n.d.).https://www.thyroid.org/hyperthyroidism/Hypothyroidism (underactive). (n.d.).https://www.thyroid.org/hypothyroidism/Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). (2021).https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/hypothyroidismMincer, D. L., et al. (2021). Hashimoto thyroiditis.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459262/Signs you may have a thyroid problem. (2021).https://www.scripps.org/news_items/4361-signs-you-may-have-a-thyroid-problemSoh, S.-B., et al. (2019). Laboratory testing in thyroid conditions - pitfalls and clinical utility.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6143469/FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Kelly Wood, MD — By Steph Coelho on May 24, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? 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