If you’ve ever considered at home STD testing, this myLAB Box review is for you!
We all know the importance of regular sexual health testing, but it’s also one of those jobs that tends to get put off. If you struggle to get to the doctor, or prefer testing in the privacy of your own home, you can enjoy the ease of at home testing with myLAB Box.
But you might be wondering, is myLAB Box legit and should I trust them with such sensitive information? I’ll be answering that question and more in this review!
Today, I’ll be taking you through everything you need to know about myLAB Box tests, including what tests are available and how the whole process works from start to finish. I’ll also be evaluating the service and diving into myLAB Box reviews.
What is myLAB Box?
myLAB Box is an at home testing solution that allows you to perform a range of tests from the comfort of your own home.
It was started by two Californian entrepreneurs who saw increasing rates of STDs in the US and wanted to create a solution to help tackle it. They recognised that the stigma, discomfort, and effort attached to regular testing was a barrier to more people getting tested.
To give people more control over their sexual health, they developed packages of lab quality at home STD tests. With rates of sexually transmitted diseases on the rise, this is a welcome initiative that will hopefully get more people in the habit of taking regular sexual health tests!
The company now offers a whole selection of at home testing solutions across the spectrum of health and wellness. As well as STD tests, they also provide tests for hormone levels, COVID, nutrition, toxicology, and fertility, among others.
The company prides itself on choosing the most accurate testing methods and providing the same diagnostic accuracy as in you get if you went to a lab for testing.
They do, however, stress that myLAB Box is a testing solution and should not a replacement for medical care or your annual health check up.
Find out how you can improve your sexual health with myLAB Box today!
myLAB Box Review: What are the Pros and Cons
If you’re in a hurry and don’t have time to read the full myLAB Box review, here’s my summary of the pros and cons to help you decide if this is the solution for you!
Pros
- Privacy and comfort of at home-testing
- No waiting times for an appointment
- Single tests or complete panels for wide range of STDs and sexual health concerns
- Tests take less than five minutes to complete
- Free discreet shipping
- Access results online
- Processes in certified labs
- Comparable accuracy to in-person testing
- Free consultation with a telemedicine physician with any positive test results
- Competitive pricing for similar services
Cons
- Some found it difficult to contact customer services
- Not able to pay through insurance
- FSA and HSA payment accepted but not guaranteed
- Shipping/delivery delays possible
- Kits expire within 6-12 months
- Cis-gendered language lacks inclusivity
Is myLAB box Legit?
You might be skeptical about the safety and accuracy of at home testing and rightfully so! It is, after all, a sensitive topic that has real-life health consequences, so you it’s important to find a company you trust!
I took a closer look at myLAB Box’s processes and procedures to figure out if they are a legitimate company that can be trusted with your testing.
Test Quality
myLAB Box use fully certified laboratories and professionals to process your results. They report that their tests are just as accurate as the ones you would get from going to the doctors.
They are also CLIA High Complexity test laboratory certified in all 50 states, meaning their tests require a higher level of expertise to process the results.
On top of their testing credentials, myLAB box has plenty of consumer reviews praising the accuracy and efficiency of the service!
myLAB Box Reviews: Customer Experience
Customer reviews are wealth of information when it comes to evaluating a service, especially ones on third party platforms. Not only can you see people’s honest experiences, but you can also see how responsive the company is.
Trustpilot myLAB Box Reviews
At the time of writing this review, myLAB Box has an overall score of 3.8 on TrustPilot, with 57% of the 216 ratings scoring it 5/5.
On top of that, they have replied to 84% of all negative reviews, often replying in less than two days. In most cases, they offer to continue to conversation via email to help find a solution. They also reply to many of the positive reviews as well!
In general, it seems most customers are very satisfied with myLAB Box and their services. The positive reviews mention excellent customer service, fast delivery and processing, convenience, and competitive price compared to a clinic visit.
Some common complaints among the negative reviews are slow processing times and trouble accessing customer support services directly. Some customers were also disappointed that their samples were insufficient for conclusive testing. However, it is difficult to determine who is at fault in that situation.
Here are four of the most recent myLAB Box reviews:
myLAB Box Review: How does it work?
myLAB Box aims to make STD testing as easy as possible so more people feel comfortable and confident in getting tested, and I think they definitely deliver on that front!
The whole process is broken down into four very easy steps:
1. Choose and order your test
myLAB box offers a total of 19 different STD testing packages, including bundles for a full STD panel and tests for individual STDs. They have kits for penis owners, vulva owners, and even a couples kit.
Once you’ve ordered your package, it’s shipped to your home. MyLAB box estimates that you should receive your test in 1-3 days.
2. Take your test
The method of testing depends on which tests you are performing but can include urine samples; genital, anal or oral swabs; or finger prick blood tests.
All of these are very easy to complete at home without prior experience or training. Tests take less than 5 minutes to complete! myLAB box also provides comprehensive video instructions.
Once down, you pop it in your discreet envelope and send it, complete with free shipping!
3. Get your results online
Just like the tests, you can access your results online from the comfort of your own home! It usually takes from 2-11 days for the lab to process and post your results.
You can log in to your account to see your results and also have the option of sharing them with a partner, making it easy to share your sexual health status.
If you’re results are negative, you don’t need to do anything else.
4. Access a free consultation
If one or more of your results comes back positive, myLAB box will provide access to a telemedicine physician. They will be able to advise you, and prescribe medication where appropriate.
They also offer access to a Kulbersh Health Screening Services (KHSS) – authorized STD counsellor to answer questions or offer support after a positive result.
You are also able to download your test results to take to your physician for further treatment or testing.
Take advantage of easy, convenient, private STD testing today!
What STD Tests and Packages Are Available?
I was very impressed by the selection of tests available through myLAB Box, as they provide testing for all the major STDs, as well as other common urethro/genital issues, such as UTI, yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, and tests related to PrEP.
I also really like that you can choose between a single test, which can be great if a sexual partner has received a positive result for a particular STD, or a panel of tests for comprehensive sexual health screening.
You can also choose between a one-off purchase or a subscription, which will save you money in the long run if you plan to repeat the tests on a set schedule.
Now, I’ll take you through the different options you can choose from
Sexual Health Panel Packages:
Uber Box (8 Panel)
The Uber Box contains 8 different tests, covering the eight most common STDs: HIV I and HIV II, Hepatitis C, Herpes Simplex Virus Type II (genital herpes), Syphilis, Gonhorrhea, Chlamydia, and Trichomoniasis.
This is a great package for those looking to do a general sexual health screening and costs $199 in total.
Total Box (14 Panel)
The Total Box is the most comprehensive package available, with tests for 14 different STDs in total. In addition to what is offered in the Uber Box (above), this option tests for oral and anal Gonorrhea and Chlamydia, Mycoplasma Genitalium, and has an optional HPV test add on for people with vulvas over the age of 30.
This is best suited to those who want a complete and comprehensive sexual health screening and it costs between $369 and $399, depending on whether you want the additional HPV test.
Safe Box (5 Panel)
The safe box tests for five STDs with the highest risk factors, meaning they are the ones that are likely to have the most serious consequences if left untreated. It includes test for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, HIV I, HIV II, and Trichomoniasis.
This is a cheaper package at $169, making it more budget-friendly but it’s not as comprehensive as the first two options.
V-Box (5 panel)
This package is slightly different as it designed to test for common causes of vaginal discharge, including STDs and other vaginal health issues. The kit contains tests for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, bacterial vaginosis, yeast infection, and Trichomoniasis.
Let’s face it, having a vagina can be tricky sometimes, and many of the causes of vaginal discharge and discomfort share the same symptoms, but this panel makes it super easy to find the cause and correct treatment.
Love Box (2 x 8 Panel)
What else says I love and respect you more than getting a couples sexual health screening! The Love Box contains two sets of of their 8 panel testing kit. With this kit, both partner’s can be tested for HIV I, HIV II, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Herpes Simplex 2, Syphilis, and Trichomoniasis.
I think this is a fantastic idea! This is a great package for couples who are thinking of becoming fluid-bonded or have sex with other people. It’s also cheaper than buying two individual 8 panel packages!
PrEP Box
This makes it easy to take all the tests needed to get your repeat PrEP prescription, which must be reviewed every three months. The PrEP Box contains tests for HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Syphilis, Chlamydia (rectal and genital), Gonorrhea (rectal, oral, and genital), Creatinine, and a pregnancy test for people who can get pregnant.
Boomer Box (5 Panel)
This box aimed at older adults tests for the five most common STDs in this age range, including Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, HIV I and HIV II, and Hepatitis C.
Single STD Tests
myLAB box also offers single STD tests, if you only wish to test for a specific STD.
For example, this is a good option if you’ve had a sexual partner test positive for an STD and you also need to get tested.
Similar to the packages options, you can make a one time purchase or sign up for a subscription and get a discount on repeat tests
Here are the single test options available through myLAB Box:
- Genital Herpes (Herpes Simplex Virus-2) – $89
- Chlamydia & Gonorrhea (genital) – $79
- Chlamydia and Gonorrhea (genital, anal, & oral) – $179
- HIV I & HIV II – $79
- Syphilis – $89
- HPV (only for people with vulva’s over the age of 30) – $89
- Trichomoniasis – $89
- Cervical cancer screening using HPV (only for people with vulva’s over the age of 30) – $89
- Rapid UTI home test – $59
- Hepatitis B – $99
- Hepatitis C – $79
- Mycoplasma genitalium – $89
myLAB Box Review: Privacy and discretion
Privacy and discretion are of massive importance when it comes to sensitive topics, so you are probably wondering how myLAB Box keeps your orders and results safe from prying eyes!
Overall, I would say that myLAB Box has a good set of procedures in place to protect your privacy and keep your data safe. Here’s a little more information about their shipping and data storage practices.
Discreet Shipping
As expected, myLAB Box offers discreet two way shipping. When you receive your tests, there will be no indication on the box of what’s inside. The return packaging is also plain and discreet. These small but important measures means you can order your tests with the confidence that no one will know what’s inside your package!
Data Processing
myLAB Box use HIPAA web security protocols to protect your data and keep it private. On top of that, you can rest assured that only you will have access to your results. It is possible to download them for a medical consultation or share them with a partner, but it is your choice to do so.
The only time myLAB Box shares results is to report new positive cases of Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Trichomoniasis to the Florida Department of health as this is a legal requirement. They also legally required to share the results with your State Department of Health. However, in both cases, your data or test results are not made publicly available and will still remain private. This data collection is for the purpose of monitoring the prevalence and spread of STDs.
What Payment Options Are Available?
myLAB Box accepts MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover and Google Pay. There are no extra charges or delivery or copay fees — you only pay the price you see for the tests!
Unfortunately, you cannot pay for myLAB Box tests through insurance. They do accept FSA and HSA payment cards but they cannot guarantee the payment will go though due to different providers having different regulations about how they can be used. They do however provide a contact email should you have difficulty paying with your FSA or HSA card.
myLAB Box Review: My Final Thoughts
I’m always a skeptical of services that claim to provide such ease and convenience, but I have to say that I’m impressed both with the concept and execution of myLAB Box testing kits. Being able to access lab-quality testing from home is such a convenient way to stay on top of your sexual health!
Here are my favorite things about myLAB Box
They are very comprehensive in terms of the tests they offer, and I really like that you can choose between full panels or individual tests. The option for repeat subscriptions is also great for anyone who undertakes regular testing as not only is it super convenient, but it also works out cheaper than buying individual kits.
The price is competitive compared to other similar services and some have found it to be a cheaper option than visiting a hospital or doctor’s clinic.
I also love that more people are likely to get tested when they can do it in the privacy and comfort of their own home! Ideally, we would live in a world where getting sexual health screening was completely normalised but unfortunately it can still be a scary or embarrassing experience for many due to the stigma around STDs. However, being able to get an STD test at home is an empowering way to take control of your sexual health!
Overall, the user experience is positive with 70% of reviewers on Trustpilot giving myLAB Box 4 or 5 stars out of 5. Of course, there are also some negative reviews and that’s also important to keep in mind but the overall high score, positive ratings, and responsiveness are a good indicators!
Whether or not myLAB Box works out as the cheapest solution for you depends on your health insurance. However, if you are looking for a reliable, convenient testing solution that gives you maximum privacy, this is certainly a good option!
Take control of your sexual health today, and find out which package is best for you!
