What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're concerned about your nutritional balance, experiencing unexplained fatigue, inflammation, or cognitive issues that may be related to fatty acid imbalances. It helps identify deficiencies or excesses in essential fatty acids that affect brain health, heart function, inflammation levels, and overall cellular health. Many people use this test when they want to optimize their diet, suspect their nutritional intake isn't balanced, or are addressing chronic health conditions influenced by fat metabolism.

What happens after I get my results?

You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining what your fatty acid levels mean for your energy, inflammation, brain health, and cardiovascular function. These notes include personalized recommendations like specific dietary adjustments, omega-3 supplementation guidance, and which fatty acid ratios to monitor. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your fatty acid levels over time using our trends feature to see how dietary changes and supplements are improving your balance.

What's included in this test?

This comprehensive panel measures a full spectrum of fatty acids from C8 through C26, which include short-chain, medium-chain, and long-chain fatty acids. These measurements provide insight into your dietary fat intake, how well your body processes different types of fats, and whether you have the right balance of essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6. Together, these markers reveal nutritional deficiencies, metabolic issues, inflammatory patterns, and cardiovascular health risks related to fat metabolism.

How should I prepare for this test?

While specific fasting requirements may vary, it's generally recommended to fast for 10-12 hours before this test for the most accurate results. Continue taking any regular supplements as usual, since the goal is to measure your typical fatty acid status. Avoid making dramatic dietary changes in the days leading up to your test, as you want to capture your baseline nutritional state rather than a temporary shift.

When will I get my results?

Results for this comprehensive fatty acid panel are typically available within 7-10 business days after your sample reaches the laboratory. This specialized test requires advanced analysis techniques to measure the full range of fatty acids accurately. You'll receive an email notification as soon as your results and personalized doctor notes are ready to view in your secure online account.

Who should consider getting this test?

This test is valuable for anyone interested in optimizing their nutrition, particularly those following specialized diets like ketogenic, vegan, or high-fat protocols. It's especially useful for people with chronic inflammation, cardiovascular concerns, cognitive issues, or autoimmune conditions where fatty acid balance plays a significant role. Athletes and individuals focused on performance optimization also benefit from understanding their fatty acid profile.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

You might consider this test if you experience persistent fatigue, brain fog, difficulty concentrating, or memory issues. Other signs include dry skin, brittle hair and nails, joint pain or stiffness, mood changes, or inflammatory conditions. If you have cardiovascular concerns, struggle with weight management, or feel your diet isn't providing optimal nutrition despite your efforts, this test can provide valuable insights.

How can I naturally improve my fatty acid balance?

Focus on incorporating fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel at least 2-3 times weekly for omega-3 fatty acids. Include a variety of healthy fats from sources like avocados, olive oil, nuts, seeds, and grass-fed meats. Reduce processed foods and excessive omega-6 oils from vegetable oils, and consider adding flaxseeds or chia seeds to your diet. If you're plant-based, algae-based omega-3 supplements can help fill nutritional gaps.

What are fatty acids and why do they matter?

Fatty acids are the building blocks of fats that your body uses for energy, cell membrane structure, hormone production, and brain function. Essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6 must come from your diet since your body can't make them. The balance and types of fatty acids in your blood directly impact inflammation levels, cardiovascular health, cognitive function, mood regulation, and your body's ability to absorb fat-soluble vitamins.

How often should I retest my fatty acid levels?

If you're making dietary changes or starting supplementation to improve your fatty acid balance, retesting in 3-4 months allows enough time to see meaningful changes in your levels. Once you've achieved optimal balance, testing annually or every 6-12 months helps ensure you're maintaining healthy ratios. If you're managing specific health conditions influenced by fatty acids, your healthcare provider may recommend more frequent monitoring every 3-6 months.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Fatty Acid Panel - Nutrition & Inflammation Test

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

[email protected]

Blood Test for Fatty Acid Balance and Nutritional Health

Fatty Acid Panel, Comprehensive (C8-C26), Serum

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

What's this test for?

How should I prepare for this test?

What's included in this test?

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

Blood Test for Fatty Acid Balance and Nutritional Health

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say