Getting Started Guides

How direct-access ordering works, from choosing a test to booking a collection.

Getting started with direct-access lab testing is simpler than most people expect. You choose a test or panel, pay online, and then select a partner collection site and an appointment time that fits your schedule.

No doctor's order and no insurance are required for most routine tests. That removes the referral step and the wait for a paper order, which is often what makes direct testing faster than the traditional route.

Once you order, you receive instructions for your visit, including what to bring and whether any preparation is needed. Most collections take only a few minutes, and you are free to leave as soon as the sample is taken.

Your sample is sent to an accredited laboratory for analysis, and your report is posted to a secure online account. You decide whether to share it with a provider; the results are released to you, not to an employer or anyone else.

If you are unsure which test to order, start with a broad panel and review the related-test links, or ask a clinician to recommend a starting point. The guides below walk through each step so you can order with confidence.

This content is educational only and is not medical advice. If you have symptoms or a known condition, consult a qualified healthcare provider about what to test and when.

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