What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're concerned about your heart health, brain function, or overall nutritional balance. It measures the levels of essential fatty acids in your blood to help identify if you're getting the right types of fats from your diet and if they're being absorbed properly. Many people use this test when experiencing inflammation, cardiovascular concerns, cognitive issues, or when they want to optimize their diet for better health outcomes.

What happens after I get my results?

You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining what your fatty acid profile means for your cardiovascular health, brain function, and inflammation levels. These notes include personalized recommendations like dietary adjustments, omega-3 supplementation suggestions, or which food sources to increase or decrease. 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 are improving your nutritional balance.

What's included in this test?

This comprehensive panel measures essential fatty acids ranging from C12 to C22, including important omega-3s, omega-6s, and other key fatty acids that impact your health. These measurements reveal how well your diet supports cardiovascular health, brain function, and inflammatory balance. Together, these fatty acids provide insights into your nutritional status and help identify whether you need to adjust your intake of fish, nuts, seeds, and other healthy fats.

How should I prepare for this test?

You should fast for 9-12 hours before your blood draw, which means no food during this time but water is okay. Also avoid consuming any alcohol for 24 hours prior to your test. This preparation ensures accurate measurement of your fatty acid levels without interference from recently consumed foods or drinks.

Who should consider getting this test?

This test is particularly valuable for anyone concerned about heart health, those with inflammatory conditions, people experiencing cognitive or mood issues, and individuals wanting to optimize their nutrition. It's also useful for those following specific diets like ketogenic or Mediterranean diets, people with absorption issues, or anyone who wants to ensure their dietary fat intake is balanced and beneficial.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common signs include dry or flaky skin, brittle nails, poor concentration or brain fog, mood changes, joint pain or inflammation, and cardiovascular concerns. You might also consider this test if you rarely eat fish or omega-3 rich foods, have digestive issues that affect fat absorption, or experience persistent fatigue that could be related to nutritional imbalances.

How can I naturally improve my fatty acid balance?

Include more omega-3 rich foods like fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines) at least twice weekly, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds. Balance your omega-6 intake by reducing processed vegetable oils and increasing whole food sources. Use olive oil for cooking, eat a variety of nuts and seeds, and consider algae-based supplements if you don't eat fish. Avoiding trans fats and highly processed foods also helps maintain a healthy fatty acid profile.

What are essential fatty acids and why do they matter?

Essential fatty acids are healthy fats your body cannot produce on its own, so you must get them from food. They're crucial for building cell membranes, supporting brain function, reducing inflammation, and protecting heart health. The two main types are omega-3s (anti-inflammatory, heart-protective) and omega-6s (needed in moderation), and the balance between them significantly impacts your overall health and disease risk.

What does an imbalanced fatty acid profile mean?

An imbalanced profile typically shows too little omega-3s relative to omega-6s, which can promote inflammation and increase cardiovascular risk. This imbalance is common in Western diets high in processed foods and low in fish. It may manifest as increased inflammation, higher heart disease risk, cognitive decline, mood issues, and poor skin health. The good news is that dietary changes can usually correct these imbalances within a few months.

How often should I retest my fatty acid levels?

If you're making dietary changes or starting supplementation, retest in 3-4 months to see if your interventions are working. Once your levels are optimized, annual testing is reasonable to ensure you're maintaining a healthy balance. If you have cardiovascular disease, inflammatory conditions, or cognitive concerns, your healthcare provider may recommend more frequent monitoring every 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 Blood Test - Heart & Brain Health Check

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]

Essential Fatty Acid Blood Test for Heart and Brain Health

Fatty Acid Panel, Essential (C12-C22), 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.

Find a lab near you

Essential Fatty Acid Blood Test for Heart and Brain 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