At a Glance
- Oura and Whoop now offer blood panels.
- Oura: $99 for 50 biomarkers; Whoop: $349 for 65 biomarkers.
- Results can take up to two weeks to return.
- Why it matters: Consumers can get a broader health snapshot without doctor visits, but costs and delays may offset convenience.
FitTrackers Oura and Whoop are turning a routine blood draw into a subscription perk, offering panels that far exceed the standard 20-biomarker doctor’s check-up. The new tests promise convenience, HSA/FSA eligibility, and a deeper look into your health-though the price and turnaround time raise questions.
How the Tests Work
Oura and Whoop book appointments through their own apps, requiring users to fast for at least eight hours before a blood draw at a local lab. The samples are then sent to Quest Diagnostics for analysis.
Cost and Coverage
- Oura: $99, 50 biomarkers, includes lipoprotein (a), blood glucose, insulin, electrolytes, and more.
- Whoop: $349, 65 biomarkers, adds vitamin D and hormone panels.
- Doctor’s panel: 20 biomarkers, usually covered by insurance.
| Feature | Oura | Whoop | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $99 | $349 | $0 (included) |
| Biomarkers | 50 | 65 | 20 |
| HSA/FSA | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Result turnaround | 24 h first set, 2 weeks full | ~24 h | 1-2 weeks |
Results and Findings
The first set of Oura results returned after 24 hours, but the full report took almost two weeks. Most values were normal, but a lipoprotein (a) level of 214 nmol/L (normal <30 nmol/L) flagged a high inherited cardiovascular risk. Whoop's panel caught low iron and vitamin D-issues that are easy to correct with a daily multivitamin.
Availability and Restrictions
Both services are U.S.-only, excluding Arizona, Hawaii, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming due to stricter direct-access testing laws. Users must print or download a PDF lab order from the app to bring to the lab.
Key Takeaways
- Oura offers a $99 panel with 50 biomarkers, while Whoop charges $349 for 65.
- Results can be delayed, with a full report taking up to two weeks.
- The panels reveal deeper health insights but also higher costs compared to a typical doctor’s visit.
The move by Oura and Whoop reflects a growing trend of consumer-direct health testing, yet it underscores the trade-offs between convenience, depth of data, and the speed of results.
