Table of contents

• Are home tests the same as my doctor’s tests?
• What are the advantages of home testing over testing at my doctor?
• Can I share my results with my doctor?
• Are home tests more affordable than tests at the doctor?
• What should I do if my home test is positive?

Are home tests the same as my doctor’s tests?

The testing equipment used by our partner laboratories is often identical to that found in a doctor’s practice. Homed-IQ only offers home tests that have been thoroughly validated to ensure that the results are consistent with those obtained in a clinical setting. This guarantees that the medical diagnostics provided by our partner laboratories meet the same high standards as tests performed in a doctor’s office.

Which laboratory will process my sample?

Once you have collected your sample at home, you send it in a prepaid envelope to our laboratories for professional analysis. Homed-IQ works with a network of certified laboratories, all accredited to ISO 15189 and 17025 standards, as well as DAkkS and RiLiBÄK 2019 accreditation. This ensures that your sample is processed to the highest quality standards. 

What are ISO 15189 and 17025? 

ISO standards are developed by the International Organisation for Standardisation, an independent, non-governmental body. ISO standards are voluntary and are widely accepted as a mark of quality, safety and efficiency in global markets. Specifically, ISO 15189 ensures that medical laboratories are equipped to provide reliable and accurate test results for patients, using high quality processes and trained personnel. The ISO 17025 standard refers to laboratories that test materials or calibrate equipment. It ensures that their methods and tools are accurate and trustworthy, guaranteeing reliable results every time.

What is DAkkS accreditation? 

DAkkS accreditation is a formal recognition granted by the German Accreditation Body (Deutsche Akkreditierungsstelle), Germany’s national accreditation body, overseen by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology (BMWK). It is Germany’s official quality check for laboratories, ensuring that they meet international standards for accuracy, safety and professionalism in testing. It’s like an official seal of approval for excellence.

What are the advantages of home testing over testing at my doctor?

Convenience at Your Fingertips: You have the flexibility to take the test whenever and wherever suits your schedule. There’s no need to book appointments, arrange childcare, or take time off work. The test kit arrives at your door, ready to use at your convenience.

Complete Privacy and Anonymity: Many people feel uncomfortable discussing sensitive health issues, such as sexually transmitted infections, with a healthcare provider in person. At-home testing provides a private, discreet experience. Your results are securely processed and shared directly with you, ensuring that your health information remains confidential unless you decide to share it. Home IQ test kits are discreetly packaged and results are securely delivered, ensuring your privacy is protected throughout the process.

Faster Results with Greater Ease: Homed-IQ testing removes the need for GP visits, lab delays, and waiting rooms. Once you send back your sample, you’ll typically receive results within days, allowing you to gain health insights quickly and comfortably without disrupting your daily schedule.

Detailed and Easy-to-Understand Reports: The results you receive after completing the Homed-IQ’s test aren’t just numbers – they include detailed explanations and actionable insights to help you better understand your health. This enables you to make informed decisions without the need for extensive medical knowledge.

Take Control of Your Health: Homed-IQ empowers you to take a proactive approach to your well-being. Regular at-home testing helps you monitor key health markers, detect potential issues early, and prevent diseases before they develop. By staying informed, you can make healthier choices and address concerns before they become serious.

Accessibility for All: Homed-IQ makes health testing more accessible, especially for individuals in rural areas or those with mobility challenges, where getting to a GP might be difficult or time-consuming.

Can I share my results with my doctor?

Yes, Homed-IQ allows you to download or print your test results from your online portal. You will receive an official lab report with clear illustrations and a comprehensive, easy-to-understand summary, ensuring that everyone can interpret the results with confidence. If you wish, you can share your results with your doctor or healthcare professional to facilitate informed medical advice or treatment. In some cases, additional tests may be needed for further evaluation, depending on your doctor.

Are home tests more affordable than tests at the doctor?

Homed-IQ makes testing easy and convenient, saving you both time and travel costs.  Our prices include everything you need: high quality sampling materials, pre-paid shipping to and from certified laboratories, professional laboratory analysis and clear, detailed results that are easy to understand. By bundling these services, Homed-IQ ensures reliable testing from the comfort of your own home – no need to visit a clinic or take time out of your day, and no hidden costs to worry about. Single-marker tests start at €40, while comprehensive tests analysing multiple markers (e.g. 11 markers) range from €100 to €200.

The cost of a marker test (e.g. vitamin D) at a doctor’s office is between €20 and €40, with possible additional costs for the doctor’s consultation and taking the blood sample. Whether the test is covered by your insurance also depends on your individual insurance. For example, a vitamin D test at the doctor’s office is often classified as an individual health service and is usually not covered by health insurance unless there is a medical suspicion of a deficiency. It is advisable to check with your doctor and insurance company beforehand. 

Will my insurance cover a home test?

If you’re wondering about insurance coverage, please check directly with your insurer to see if home health tests are included, as some providers cover general health checks or preventive screenings. Homed-IQ can provide itemised receipts for your orders that you can submit for reimbursement. Our receipts include the purchaser’s name, email and address, the date of purchase (not the date of service) and the amount paid (after any discounts or promotions).

What should I do if my home test is positive?

If your Homed-IQ home test is positive try not to worry or panic. That is why our support team is here to answer any questions you may have (Contact form, Mail, Whatsapp: +31 970 1025 4674) and our dedicated medical team (Mail) can provide expert advice. Homed-IQ tests provide information on specific health markers and are not intended to diagnose a medical condition. We recommend that you consult your doctor or healthcare professional for diagnosis and share your results with them for evaluation and further advice or treatment.