SiPhox Health review: How accessible is this at-home biomarker tracking service?

Regular blood tests are a great way to monitor your health, spot potential issues early, and try well-thought-out health optimization and disease prevention strategies. It can help you identify micronutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, and other problems by tracking biomarkers, which are measurable indicators of different biological functions.

The problem with tracking biomarkers via blood is that they change frequently. You’ll have to go to the lab several times a year to update your health optimization plan. This can be particularly inconvenient, especially considering that some important biomarkers, like morning cortisol, can only be measured early in the day when most people are at work.

That’s the gap that companies like SiPhox Health aim to fill. SiPhox enables users to take a blood sample using an at-home test kit and send it to the lab for analysis, which makes the process convenient and repeatable.

While the company does a good job of making the blood testing service more accessible, does the solution match the rigor of professional lab testing? In our SiPhox Health review, we’ll provide an in-depth analysis of how effective and trustworthy the service is.

SiPhox Health review: A brief overview

SiPhox Health, established in 2020 by former MIT researchers Michael Dubrovsky and Diedrik Vermeulen, is a biotech startup dedicated to making at-home blood testing easy and affordable. The company uses innovative technology and combines microfluidics, biochemistry, and Silicon Photonics to offer a broad array of subscription-based panels and help users stay on top of their health. 

Since frequent health changes require regular monitoring, yearly bloodwork is not enough to stay ahead of potential risks and reveal trends. That’s why the platform offers monthly, quarterly, and biannual tests to help different user groups, such as high performers, biohackers, and busy professionals, stay informed.

SiPhox Health currently provides four primary programs:

1. Core Health: Tracks 17 biomarkers related to heart, metabolic, hormonal, and inflammatory health.

2. Heart & Metabolic: Includes 20 biomarkers covering cardiovascular and systemic health.

3. Hormone Focus: Analyzes 13 biomarkers for women and 15 for men to address hormone-specific needs.

4. Ultimate Health: Covers an extensive 50 biomarkers for a comprehensive overview of cardiovascular, metabolic, thyroid, and nutritional health, among others.

Source: SiPhox Health

Additionally, SiPhox Health offers smaller, targeted panels such as the Weight Loss Panel, Women’s and Men’s Essential Hormone Panels, and Advanced Cholesterol Panel. Each test uses a simple, user-friendly at-home kit with the relevant blood sample collection tools.

Depending on the program you choose, you can get additional benefits such as personalized insights and action plans, supplement recommendations, a blood pressure monitor device, and 1:1 coaching with a health expert.

Bonus read: Here are some guides to similar health optimization services that may interest you:

• SiPhox Health vs. InsideTracker

• Rupa Health review

• InsideTracker vs. Marek Health

• InsideTracker review

• InsideTracker alternatives

• Invitae review

• Marek Health review

SiPhox Health review: 6 key factors to consider

Here are the six key factors that we’ve used to assess SiPhox Health blood testing services:

1. Test kit

2. Biomarkers coverage

3. Result accuracy

4. SiPhox Health dashboard

5. Pricing

6. Turnaround speed and customer service

1. Test kit

Each SiPhox test kit comes with a set of tools you need to collect your sample. Along with the included step-by-step instructions and tips, you’ll find:

• Different sizes of lancets

• Sterile gauze

• Bandaids

• Alcohol pad

• ADX Card for sample collection

• Collection bag

• Envelope

You’ll be instructed to collect a small blood sample through a finger prick and send it to their lab for testing. While the collection process is fairly simple, note that your sample may be rejected if you fail to produce sufficient blood quantity. 

That said, some programs, such as Core Health, come with a blood sample collector — EasyDraw. The device attaches to your upper arm and automatically draws blood when you click the button. According to SiPhox, the device collects a greater volume of blood, which should help with the accuracy of results as well.

The Heart & Metabolic program also includes a blood pressure monitor for a more holistic health picture. Depending on the program, you can also purchase a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) as a separate add-on since it’s not included in the package.

In terms of procedural quality, SiPhox Health guarantees the highest standards by working in CLIA- and CAP-accredited facilities — which demonstrates a commitment to fulfilling all laboratory requirements. 

Source: SiPhox Health

2. Biomarkers coverage

SiPhox Health measures a variety of biomarkers that allow monitoring of key health aspects, such as cardiovascular performance, metabolic function, hormonal balance, inflammation, and thyroid activity. 

The Ultimate Health Program includes 50 biomarkers, making it ideal for continuous monitoring and athletes looking to achieve peak performance.

The included biomarkers should provide insights into your current health, depending on your specific case. For example, when indicated by elevated levels, inflammation markers like C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) can be a sign of acute inflammation. Likewise, hormone markers can help track hormonal imbalances that may lead to fatigue, weight gain, and even altered heart rate.

For an overview of available biomarkers, see the table below:

| Category            | Biomarkers                                                                                         |
| ------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Heart health        | ApoA1, ApoB, ApoB:ApoA1 Ratio, HDL-C, LDL-C, Lp(a), Total Cholesterol:HDL-C Ratio, Triglycerides    |
| Metabolic health    | Cortisol, Fasting Glucose, Fasting Insulin, HbA1c, HOMA-IR, Triglycerides: HDL-C Ratio              |
| Liver health        | Albumin, ALT, AST, Bilirubin                                                                       |
| Male hormones       | DHEA-S, Estradiol, Free Testosterone, FSH, Luteinizing Hormone, Prolactin, PSA, SHBG, Testosterone |
| Female hormones     | DHEA-S, Estradiol, FSH, Luteinizing Hormone, Prolactin, SHBG, Testosterone, Anti-Mullerian Hormone |
| Nutritional markers | 25-(OH) Vitamin D, Ferritin, Folate, Vitamin B12                                                   |
| Inflammation        | Homocysteine, hs-CRP                                                                               |
| Thyroid health      | Free T3, Free T4, TPOAb, TSH                                                                       |
| Kidney health       | Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), Creatinine, eGFR

3. Result accuracy

By working in certified labs exclusively, SiPhox Health ensures result quality close to that of traditional venous draws. According to the company, the kits have a 95–99% correlation with traditional lab methods — which means their results align strongly and there are no considerable discrepancies.

Still, SiPhox claims that specific markers, such as testosterone and vitamin D, may vary dramatically across different test providers and even across different machines belonging to the same labs. 

In addition, the error-prone nature of at-home testing can lead to invalid results due to sample damage, contamination, and insufficient quantity. Still, the company offers free phlebotomy calls if you need assistance.

In general, the SiPhox tests proved mostly accurate, with some users finding their results matched other labs identically.

[Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/medlabprofessionals/comments/11g8qyw/comment/kpa5mah/)(280)

That said, some customers reported serious biomarker discrepancies when compared to other clinical laboratories. Additionally, some raised concerns about the limitations of analyzing dried blood samples, which, for example, makes monitoring blood count impossible.

[Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/medlabprofessionals/comments/11g8qyw/comment/jaogz1i/)(250)

Tip: Layer your analyses with a high-accuracy DNA health test 🧬

While blood biomarkers can help track ongoing health issues, it’s not enough to identify all potential health risks and vulnerabilities — you should consider DNA health tests such as Nucleus to understand your fixed genetic biomarkers as well.

Your genetic biomarkers indicate your lifelong predispositions, such as various disease risks, hereditary carriers, and DNA-influenced traits, that you should be aware of. Nucleus helps you identify almost all of your common and rare genetic predispositions with 99.9% accuracy and enables you to tailor your strategies for diet and nutrition, performance, and longevity.

Order your Nucleus all-in-one DNA health kit to get started!

4. SiPhox Health dashboard

Once ready, your test results will be visible in your SiPhox Health account. To activate it, you’ll need to scan the QR code on your test kit and match the name on the account to the one listed on the kit. 

Once everything is set up, you’ll get access to the SiPhox Health dashboard, which provides blood marker data, wearable device data, and personalized health recommendations. 

For these recommendations to be accurate and tailored to your habits, you’ll complete a lifestyle questionnaire. After you answer a series of questions, SiPhox experts will analyze your results and consider your daily habits and goals, based on which you’ll receive a personalized action plan.

In addition to that, each program comes with personalized supplement recommendations, which should help you keep your biomarkers in check.

Source: SiPhox Health

If you’re using a wearable device to track your health metrics, you’ll also be able to connect it to the SiPhox dashboard. The company supports ~300 devices, including:

• Apple Watch

• Fitbit

• Oura

• EightSleep

• Whoop

• Freestyle Libre

  
  

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5. Pricing

SiPhox Health is considered pretty affordable, although there may be competitors that offer better value-for-money packages for ongoing biomarker testing.

SiPhox’s Ultimate Health program has two pricing options:

1. A 6-month plan that costs $99/month, billed semiannually. It includes four blood tests.

2. A 12-month plan that costs $83/month, billed annually. It includes eight blood tests.

Meanwhile, the price of other programs varies between $99/kit and $225/kit, depending on the testing frequency (the more frequently you do blood tests, the cheaper the kits are going to be). As for the mini panels, all of them cost $69/kit.

Customers pinpoint that options like Function Health may offer more affordable packages based on the number of biomarkers covered and the frequency of testing. It comes down to what area you want to monitor and which service offers a better deal for that niche.

[Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/Biohackers/comments/1d5lalh/comment/l6n8p70/)(380)

6. Turnaround speed and customer service

SiPhox Health offers a relatively fast turnaround speed. Once the lab receives your blood sample, you can typically get your result in 3–5 working days.

Unfortunately, we noted a few complaints about lost kits, unclear refund terms, and unsupportive customer chat. Some customers are left waiting for weeks with no results or resolution on service issues. The lack of phone-based service options also left many users wanting more.

You’ll also find a few complaints about turnaround issues with SiPhox’s unlimited testing plan, although we did not see this plan active on the website at the time of research.

That said, SiPhox Health has mostly positive user reviews on TrustPilot, with a score of 4.4 out of 5 stars. This product has also been reviewed by several biohacking influencers who were overall happy with it, but it’s difficult to sort out unbiased reviews among sponsored ones.

SiPhox Health review: Is it worth the investment?

SiPhox Health can be a great alternative to lab blood tests if you need a more convenient and time-efficient option. It might be especially appealing to individuals who need to get their bloodwork done frequently. However, the efficacy of the reports can vary, so you may want to look at other options depending on your health goals.

Among the primary drawbacks of the service, the potential of samples getting compromised during shipping has been a concern. The focus on very limited biomarkers for each package is another disappointment — you’ll have to buy more than one plan if you want to focus on different health areas.

Keep in mind that blood biomarkers only offer a snapshot of your current health, not your unique genetic health blueprint.

If you want a single test to give you a complete picture of your genetic health markers, consider testing with Nucleus — a clinical-grade whole-genome sequencing platform for you and your family.

While SiPhox helps monitor and adjust current health parameters, Nucleus DNA testing offers a deeper layer of understanding into your unique inherited traits and susceptibilities. This allows for better-informed long-term health strategies, nutrition plans, lifestyle adjustments, prevention plans, and workout regimens based on your personalized risk factors — all with one-time, at-home testing.

Leverage Nucleus for better long-term health outcomes

Nucleus is committed to helping you understand your genetics and identify the root causes of existing and potential health risks. For example, people born with gene variants that interfere with nutrient absorption might spot the deficiencies with blood testing but struggle to find a permanent solution — Nucleus aims to fill this gap.

With the help of advanced whole-genome sequencing technology, the platform democratizes medical-grade, physician-approved genetic testing for the public. The technology offers one of the most accurate and comprehensive insights by analyzing ~100% of your DNA. Some of the other popular genetic testing services like 23andMe, Ancestry.com, and MyHeritage use outdated genotyping technology to look at less than 0.01% of your DNA, which makes their reports relatively limited.

Nucleus helps you find potentially all genetic variants, common and rare, in your profile that lead to disease risks, nutrition deficiencies, hereditary carriers, etc. You can download your raw data and find out all about the variants you’re interested in.

The platform also offers readymade screening reports for 800+ mental and physical health conditions. These reports are informed by the following factors:

• Your genetics and ancestry

• Your lifestyle factors (BMI levels, age, etc.)

• The latest scientific research

You’ll get illustrative reports for common diseases such as type-2 diabetes, common and rare cancers, as well as highly heritable ones such as schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s. Additionally, you can also access easy-to-interpret trait reports that explain how your genetics affect areas such as height, BMI, muscle strength, intelligence, longevity, and skin. 

While you can use the reports to get solution-centric health consultations from specialists of your choice, Nucleus can also connect you to board-certified genetic counselors for further assistance.

Nucleus complies with HIPAA and is also mindful of conducting testing in CAP-CLIA-certified labs for added security.

[X](https://twitter.com/melanter/status/1782094104068862183)(630)

Get started with Nucleus

Nucleus test kits are available for $399. It’s the most affordable whole-genome solution in the U.S. as it provides all screening reports at a single price point. You also have the option to opt for updated reports in the future if your lifestyle factors change or new DNA research becomes available.

Here’s how to get started with your first Nucleus test kit:

1. Create your Nucleus account

2. Provide your personal information

3. Order your genetic testing kit

The kit is FSA/HSA eligible and is covered by many health savings plans. Once our lab receives your DNA sample, you can expect the results within 8 weeks in your Nucleus account.

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Featured image source: SiPhox Health