We reviewed Function Health to see how it stacks up in the increasingly crowded field of consumer lab testing. With so many options promising deep insights into your health, Function stood out for its large number of biomarkers it covers. Founded in part by Dr. Mark Hyman, a well-known voice in functional medicine, the company seemed to offer something serious beneath the sleek design and marketing.
Review Summary
Quality of Test Results
Function Health provides clinical-grade lab results based on over 100 biomarkers, processed through Quest Diagnostics using standard assays. While they do not use cutting-edge technology, the results are reliable, and directly comparable to those you’d get through your doctor.
Ease of Use
This is the most hands-on experience among consumer tests. It requires two separate in-person lab visits with traditional venipuncture, no at-home option is offered. While the app and dashboard are user-friendly, the overall process is less convenient than many competitors.
Scientific Depth
Function goes broad rather than deep. It includes standard and advanced panels like cardiovascular markers, hormones, genetics, and biological age. It doesn’t dive into emerging biomarkers like antioxidant levels, neurotransmitters or functional markers offered by higher-tier competitors.
Value for Cost
Function Health offers some value for the medically minded user. The breadth of testing comparable to a comprehensive physician workup.
Company Trustability
Function partners with Quest Diagnostics, a long-established clinical lab.
Turnaround Time
Results typically take 2 to 3 weeks. It’s slower than some competitors.
Personalization of Results
The app provides color-coded charts, summaries, and AI-generated insights. However, there’s no built-in consultation or direct communication with a healthcare provider, interpretation is mostly DIY unless you pay extra for a doctor review. Function has faced sharp criticism for aggressively cross-promoting supplements, casting serious doubt on the trustworthiness of their recommendations.
Amount of Blood Required
The testing process requires a total of over 85 mL of blood across 1-2 lab visits. It’s more blood than most consumer tests, which may be a concern for some users.
What is Function Health and Who Is Behind It?
Function Health was founded in 2021 by a team including Dr. Mark Hyman, Jonathan and Daniel Swerdlin, Pranitha Patil, Mike Nemke, and Seth Weisfeld. Dr. Hyman, a well-known preventive medicine expert, lends credibility through his long-standing role in functional and integrative medicine. The company has gained attention for its scope of over 100 lab markers and AI-powered analysis, but also for its backing by major investors and public figures.
Function doesn’t operate its own labs; instead, it partners with established labs like Quest Diagnostics. What sets it apart is its consumer-friendly platform that pulls together traditional labs, modern app UX, and preventative health insights.
With over 100,000 users and growing, Function is viewed as a medically informed service that brings health assessments into the hands of proactive individuals.
Sample Collection and Blood Volume Require
Function uses traditional lab-based venipuncture, and it’s a lot of blood. The process involves two separate visits to a local lab (like Quest), and each one pulls around 10–12 vials. That’s roughly 85 mL+ in total. If the idea of multiple arm sticks or watching tubes fill makes you queasy, this might not be your ideal setup. That said, the process is professionally handled, standard for medical labs, and gets everything done in two visits. There’s no at-home collection option included, so it’s very much a “leave the house” kind of experience. If you’re okay with that, the upside is getting everything drawn in one swoop.
The Test Results
Ease of Use and Turnaround Time
Among the options in this space, Function Health is the most demanding from a user-experience perspective. After signing up, you’ll fill out a quick health intake online, then schedule two lab visits (spaced about a week apart). You’ll need to fast before each draw, and while the visits are quick (~15 minutes), you still have to drive there, check in, and go through the process. For anyone who prefers the convenience of at-home testing, this will feel more old-school. Once the draws are done, expect a wait—typically 2 to 3 weeks for full results. That delay reflects the complexity and volume of tests, especially since some specialty markers take longer to process and interpret.
Technology and Lab Methodology
Function isn’t inventing new lab tech, it’s piggybacking off the reliability of clinical giants like Quest Diagnostics. Your blood is processed using industry-standard assays, the same ones your doctor would order. There’s no proprietary device or fancy new hardware behind the curtain, just good old-fashioned clinical lab testing, bundled for the direct-to-consumer crowd. That means you can compare your results with any doctor-ordered tests, which is a big plus for anyone integrating this into their ongoing care.
What Was Measured?
Function Health offers over 100 biomarkers, of which 20+ are urine tests, covered through its annual membership, it’s easily one of the most popular blood panels available to consumers. You’ll find all the familiar categories: metabolic health, inflammation, hormones, nutrients, cardiovascular markers—but also more specialized screens like ApoE genotype, heavy metals, and advanced lipid subtypes. They even estimate your biological age based on your metabolic data, which adds a longevity slant. The overall feel is a one-stop-shop for people who want a complete picture of their health without piecing together a dozen separate tests. It’s essentially a full lab work-up, repackaged for consumers.
The follow-up tests consist of a standard set of 60 tests repeated from the initial panel. This means that if a consumer has abnormal values from the initial tests, the generic 60 repeated tests may or may not include the specific biomarkers that really require follw-up.
Viewing and Understanding the Results
The results come through Function’s app or website, accompanied by summaries and graphs. Bottom line: this is the most hands-on process of the bunch if you’re patient and comfortable with lab visits, but less appealing for those looking for quick and easy.
Function delivers results in a slick online dashboard, complete with color-coded values, trend charts, and AI-generated summaries. You’ll get written notes calling out anything noteworthy: high LDL, low vitamin D, elevated inflammation, etc. along with basic recommendations like dietary tweaks or supplements. It’s a good starting point, but there’s a catch: no personal consultation is included. There’s no one-on-one call with a doctor.
The platform leans heavily on self-guided interpretation. For motivated users or those already working with a healthcare provider, this can be empowering. But if you’re someone who prefers direct feedback or coaching, the DIY nature might feel like a lot. One thing to note: Function has been criticized for cross-promoting supplements, which can muddy the waters a bit when it comes to trust in their suggestions. That said, the tracking tools are helpful if you plan to retest and monitor changes.
Our Takeaways
Function Health is a strong choice if you’re after maximum test coverage and clinical-grade results, especially if you’re already used to navigating healthcare on your own. It’s not the fastest or the most convenient, but generic, AI-generated reports, medically sound, and geared toward long-term tracking. Think of it like getting your labs done at the doctor’s office… just without the doctor (unless you bring your own).
✅ Strengths: Good test panel, medically lab methods, and tracking for long-term insights.
⚠️ Drawbacks: No at-home option, no built-in consultation, no real innovation, and a big red flag of supplement upsell.
