Blood Testing Services: frequently Asked Questions - Life Extension
Frequently Asked Questions
Lab Testing FAQs
Q) What does the price of the laboratory test include?
- A doctor's order for testing
- All lab/testing fees
- The blood draw fee
- A copy of your results, which you can review at no charge with our specially trained and knowledgeable Wellness Specialists. Call 1-800-226-2370 to take advantage of this service.
Q) Do I need to visit a doctor to get a lab order before getting tested?
A) No. As part of your test price, we provide an order from a licensed doctor in your state.
Q) How old do I have to be to get tested?
A) The minimum age for eligibility varies by test. The minimum age for tests to be performed by Quest Diagnostics is 5 years old.
Q) Are there any state restrictions for purchasing laboratory tests?
A) Laboratory tests are not available for purchase in Maryland. The states of NY, NJ, RI, MA and PA also have some specific restrictions due to state laws governing laboratory testing.
Q) Can Life Extension diagnose, prescribe medications or treat me?
A) No. We offer laboratory testing for research, educational, and informational use only, and is not intended to diagnose, mitigate, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Life Extension is not a Covered Entity or Business Associate as defined by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”). Your use of our services does not create an implied or express Physician-Patient relationship of any kind. You should not rely on our services as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment of any health condition or problem.
Q) Can I use my insurance?
A) No. We do not bill Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance companies. All laboratory testing must be paid for out of pocket at the time of purchase using a credit or debit card, or a check. We are also unable to provide ICD-10 or CPT codes or our Tax ID number.
Q) Can I order laboratory tests if I live outside of the United States?
A) No. We only offer laboratory tests to people residing in the continental US and in Anchorage, AK.
Q) What are the most popular Life Extension lab tests?
A) Our most popular lab tests are the Male & Female Health Panels, blood tests which provide essential information on overall health status as well as hormone levels. It also reports on markers like C-reactive protein, circulating vitamin D levels, insulin and more.
Q) Why shouldn’t I just order lab tests through my doctor?
A) There are several advantages to ordering through Life Extension. It is easier and more convenient for many customers to get a lab requisition online or over the phone rather than waiting in a doctor’s office. Additionally, not all doctors will order preventative lab tests. We also provide lower costs of lab tests that aren’t covered by insurance. Finally, we offer unique blood panels you won't find elsewhere for specialized concerns and needs.
Q) Which labs do you work with?
A) We work with Quest Diagnostics, the world’s leading provider of diagnostic information services. Your laboratory tests will be analyzed by them.
Q) Once I order my lab tests, how long will it take to receive the requisition?
A) Once you place your order, you will receive your Quest Diagnostics requisition within 24 hours if you have chosen email or fax as the method of delivery (allow up to 48 hours for orders placed on Saturday). If you choose to receive your requisition by mail, or are receiving a blood draw kit, please allow up to 5 business days for delivery. All requisitions and kits are mailed from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
Q) How do I schedule my Quest Diagnostics appointment?
A) You can take your lab requisition form to a Quest Diagnostics patient service center; there are over 2,200 locations nationwide. To schedule your appointment online, click Schedule an appointment. Include the order number of your lab from the requisition form and your name.
Q) Do I need to bring a paper lab order to Quest Diagnostics?
A) Yes. Although we send an electronic version of your order directly to Quest Diagnostics, it is still recommended to bring a paper copy to avoid any delays in your testing process.
Q) Does my blood test order expire?
A) Yes. Your requisition form is good for 1 year from the date it was ordered. However, Life Extension can extend the expiration date for an additional year at your request; call customer service at 1-800-678-8989 to request more time. However, if you have received a blood draw kit, the expiration date is based on the tubes included. You can call for a new kit if your tubes expire before the kit is used.
Q) Do any states restrict the use of Quest Diagnostics for blood draws?
A) Yes. Lab tests are unavailable in Maryland and Hawaii. Additionally, state restrictions apply for residents of New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. People residing in these states will receive a blood draw kit and will not be able to complete their Life Extension lab order through Quest Diagnostics. Most local hospitals can provide a blood draw on an outpatient basis. Extra fees for processing and packing your specimens may apply and are your responsibility.
Q) If I live in a restricted state, what will be included with my kit?
A) If you live in NY, NJ, RI, or MA, you will receive a prescription for the blood draw signed by a doctor in our network. You will also receive all the necessary blood draw tubes, instructions, and a pre-paid shipping label. Please note that most of the samples will need to be centrifuged prior to shipment, so you will need to find a facility that can draw, process, and pack the blood for you.
Q) How and when will I receive my results?
A) Results usually arrive within 5–7 business days from the date of the blood draw, depending on the complexity of the laboratory tests ordered. Your results can be viewed online though your web account. Results from Life Extension National Diagnostics, Inc. can also be sent to you by USPS First Class Mail, email, or fax. Additionally, you can get your results sent to your healthcare provider for further evaluation.
Q) What will my lab results look like?
A) Your lab results will look like a standard lab report. You can discuss your results with your personal healthcare provider, or you can discuss them for free with a Life Extension Wellness Specialist at 1-800-226-2370.
Q) Why are you changing from Labcorp to Quest Diagnostics?
A) We are changing to Quest Diagnostics to keep our pricing as low as possible. Quest Diagnostics has more than 2,200 locations nationwide, making it a convenient option for a majority of our customers.
Q) How do I find a Quest Diagnostics location near me?
A) You can conveniently locate your nearest Quest Diagnostics location here.
Q) Are the lab test item numbers the same?
A) Many lab test item numbers have changed. If you need help finding a specific lab test, you can search by name, category or call customer service for assistance.
Q) What if I have an open lab test requisition through Labcorp?
A)
- If you have an in-progress lab test with Labcorp, it will be completed by Labcorp.
- Existing Labcorp orders are still valid and will be honored until their expiration (6 months from purchase date) and should be fulfilled through Labcorp.
- If you have an expired lab requisition, please contact us for assistance.
Specialty Testing FAQs
Q) What is specialty lab testing?
A) Specialty lab testing offers a deeper dive into specific health concerns, ranging from genetics to neurotransmitter health, and is done using at-home collection methods including urine tests, stool tests, saliva tests and finger prick tests. Life Extension offers these specialized tests through the following labs and test providers:
- Doctor's Data Inc.
- GX Sciences
- Kashi Clinical Laboratories
- KBMO Diagnostics
- OmegaQuant
- Quintron
- TruDiagnostic
- US BioTek
Q) Can I have my blood drawn at Quest Diagnostics for at-home tests?
A) No. Our at-home tests are kits that provide you with all of the equipment you need to collect your samples in the comfort of your home and then mail back for analysis.
Q) Do I have to pay for shipment of my kit to the testing lab?
A) No. All of special tests include a pre-paid shipping label for either UPS, USPS, or FedEx.
Q) Do I receive a requisition for these specialized tests?
A) Yes. A requisition will be packaged with your kit.
Q) How are these kits shipped to me?
A) All kits are shipped to you via USPS First Class Mail. You can choose expedited shipping via UPS for an extra fee.
Q) How and when will I receive my results?
A) Results usually arrive within 3 weeks from the date the kit arrives at the testing laboratory. Results can be sent to you via USPS First Class Mail, email, or fax. Results of specialty tests cannot be viewed online.
Q) Do any states restrict shipment of kits?
A) Yes. Due to state laws, kits cannot be shipped to any Pennsylvania address. Some restrictions may also apply in the state of New York.
Q) Can I order specialty laboratory tests if I live outside of the United States?
A) No. We only offer specialty tests to those residing in the continental US.
Q) What will my lab results look like?
A) Your lab results will look like a standard lab report. You can discuss your results with your personal healthcare provider, or you can discuss them for free with a Life Extension Wellness Specialist at 1-800-226-2370.
Other Questions?
Contact us at 1-800-208-3444
Lab tests available in the continental United States and Anchorage, AK only. Not available in Maryland. Restrictions apply in NY, NJ, MA and RI. Kits not available in PA.