Function Health vs Empirical Health
Complete Head-to-Head Comparison
Compare costs, biomarker coverage, and value to find the best blood testing service for your needs
Quick Comparison Summary
Best Value
Empirical Health
52.6 biomarkers per $100
Most Comprehensive
Function Health
160+ biomarkers tested
Most Tests Per Year
Function Health
2 tests/year
Cost & Value Comparison
Function Health
Annual Cost$365
Tests per Year2
Total Biomarkers160+
Cost per Test$182
Empirical Health
Annual Cost$190
Tests per Year1
Total Biomarkers100+
Cost per Test$190
Service Details
| Feature | Function Health | Empirical Health |
|---|---|---|
| Lab Locations | 2000+ Quest | 2200+ locations |
| Key Features | Cancer markers, autoimmune panel (ANA), advanced lipids (ApoB), heavy metals (lead), Omega-3, clinician review | Personalized MD video visit included, doctor messaging, custom nutrition plan, exercise routines, mobile app |
| Notes | $365/year. 160+ lab tests 2x/year plus on-demand testing. GRAIL cancer screening, MRI/CT scans, Alzheimer's testing, mold reactivity as add-ons. HSA/FSA eligible. | $190 per test with MD video visit included. Single lab visit. HSA/FSA eligible |
Biomarker Coverage Comparison
52
Tests in Common
56
Only in Function Health
33
Only in Empirical Health
Tests Only in Function Health
- LDL Particle Number(Lipid Panel / Cardiovascular Health)
- LDL Particle Size(Lipid Panel / Cardiovascular Health)
- GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase)(Liver Function)
- Free T3 (Triiodothyronine)(Thyroid Function)
- TPO Antibodies (Thyroid Peroxidase)(Thyroid Function)
- Thyroglobulin Antibodies(Thyroid Function)
- Iodine(Thyroid Function)
- Selenium(Thyroid Function)
- Total Testosterone(Sex Hormones (Male))
- Free Testosterone(Sex Hormones (Male))
- SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin)(Sex Hormones (Male))
- Estradiol (E2)(Sex Hormones (Male))
- PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen)(Sex Hormones (Male))
- DHEA-S(Sex Hormones (Male))
- Estradiol (E2)(Sex Hormones (Female))
- Progesterone(Sex Hormones (Female))
- FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)(Sex Hormones (Female))
- LH (Luteinizing Hormone)(Sex Hormones (Female))
- Prolactin(Sex Hormones (Female))
- AMH (Anti-Mullerian Hormone)(Sex Hormones (Female))
- ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate)(Inflammation &Immune Markers)
- Homocysteine(Inflammation &Immune Markers)
- Cortisol(Stress &Adrenal Function)
- Omega-3 Index / Fatty Acids(Advanced / Specialty Markers)
- Heavy Metals - Lead(Advanced / Specialty Markers)
- Heavy Metals - Mercury(Advanced / Specialty Markers)
- Creatine Kinase(Advanced / Specialty Markers)
- IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor)(Advanced / Specialty Markers)
- HOMA-IR (Insulin Resistance)(Advanced / Specialty Markers)
- ANA Screen (Antinuclear Antibodies)(Autoimmune Markers)
- ANA Titer(Autoimmune Markers)
- ANA Pattern(Autoimmune Markers)
- Rheumatoid Factor (RF)(Autoimmune Markers)
- Celiac Disease Panel (Comprehensive)(Autoimmune Markers)
- CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen)(Cancer Screening Markers)
- CA-125 (Ovarian Cancer)(Cancer Screening Markers)
- CA 19-9 (Pancreatic/GI Cancer)(Cancer Screening Markers)
- AFP (Alpha-Fetoprotein - Liver Cancer)(Cancer Screening Markers)
- Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratio(Additional Specialized Tests)
- LDL-P (LDL Particle Number)(Additional Specialized Tests)
- LDL Particle Size Analysis(Additional Specialized Tests)
- HDL Subfractions (Large/Small)(Additional Specialized Tests)
- Cystatin C(Kidney Function)
- Reverse T3(Thyroid Function)
- Pregnenolone(Sex Hormones (Male))
- Zinc(Electrolytes &Minerals)
- Copper(Electrolytes &Minerals)
- Oxidized LDL (OxLDL)(Lipid Panel / Cardiovascular Health)
- Fibrinogen(Inflammation &Immune Markers)
- Lipase(Liver Function)
- PTH (Parathyroid Hormone)(Electrolytes &Minerals)
- Osteocalcin(Advanced / Specialty Markers)
- Leptin(Advanced / Specialty Markers)
- Adiponectin(Advanced / Specialty Markers)
- C-Peptide(Metabolic Health / Glucose)
- Immature Granulocytes(Complete Blood Count (CBC))
Tests Only in Empirical Health
- Non-HDL Cholesterol(Lipid Panel / Cardiovascular Health)
- Total Cholesterol/HDL Ratio(Lipid Panel / Cardiovascular Health)
- LDL/HDL Ratio(Lipid Panel / Cardiovascular Health)
- ApoB/ApoA1 Ratio(Lipid Panel / Cardiovascular Health)
- De Ritis Ratio (AST/ALT)(Liver Function)
- Albumin/Globulin Ratio (A/G)(Kidney Function)
- Urine Appearance(Urinalysis)
- Urine Color(Urinalysis)
- Urine pH(Urinalysis)
- Urine Specific Gravity(Urinalysis)
- Urine Protein(Urinalysis)
- Urine Glucose(Urinalysis)
- Urine Ketones(Urinalysis)
- Urine Bilirubin(Urinalysis)
- Urine Blood (Occult)(Urinalysis)
- Urine Nitrite(Urinalysis)
- Urine Leukocyte Esterase(Urinalysis)
- Urine WBC(Urinalysis)
- Urine RBC(Urinalysis)
- Urine Bacteria(Urinalysis)
- Squamous Epithelial Cells (Urine)(Urinalysis)
- Transitional Epithelial Cells (Urine)(Urinalysis)
- Renal Epithelial Cells (Urine)(Urinalysis)
- Hyaline Casts (Urine)(Urinalysis)
- Granular Casts (Urine)(Urinalysis)
- Urine Crystals(Urinalysis)
- Calcium Oxalate Crystals (Urine)(Urinalysis)
- Uric Acid Crystals (Urine)(Urinalysis)
- Triple Phosphate Crystals (Urine)(Urinalysis)
- Yeast (Urine)(Urinalysis)
- Band Neutrophils(Complete Blood Count (CBC))
- Reactive Lymphocytes(Complete Blood Count (CBC))
- Reducing Substances (Urine)(Urinalysis)
Complete Biomarker Comparison by Category
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Based on this comparison, make an informed decision about your blood testing provider
Frequently Asked Questions
Which provider is better:Function Health or Empirical Health?
Empirical Health provides better value with 52.6 biomarkers per $100 spent, offering more comprehensive coverage for your investment.
However, the best choice depends on your specific health goals, budget, and which biomarkers are most important for your situation.
How much do Function Health and Empirical Health cost per year?
Function Health costs $365 per year for 2,
while Empirical Health costs $190 per year for 1.
The cost per test is $182
for Function Health and $190
for Empirical Health.
What biomarkers does Function Health test that Empirical Health doesn't?
Function Health includes 56 unique biomarkers not found in Empirical Health's panel.
These include LDL Particle Number, LDL Particle Size, GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase), and others.
Can I use insurance with Function Health or Empirical Health?
Both Function Health and Empirical Health are direct-to-consumer services that typically don't accept insurance.
However, you may be able to submit receipts to your insurance for reimbursement if you have out-of-network benefits,
or use HSA/FSA funds for payment. Check with your insurance provider and the testing companies for specific policies.
How often should I get blood work done?
Most health optimization experts recommend testing 2-4 times per year to establish baselines and track trends.
Function Health includes 2 in their annual membership,
while Empirical Health includes 1.
More frequent testing allows you to track the effectiveness of interventions and catch changes early.
Where can I get blood drawn for these tests?
Function Health uses 2000+ Quest,
while Empirical Health uses 2200+ locations.
Both typically have thousands of collection centers nationwide. You'll schedule your blood draw through their platform after ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, Function Health or Empirical Health?
Empirical Health is cheaper at $190/year compared to Function Health at $365/year.
Which tests more biomarkers, Function Health or Empirical Health?
Function Health tests 160+ biomarkers while Empirical Health tests 100+ biomarkers.
What is Function Health best for?
Function Health offers 160+ biomarkers for $365/year with 2 test(s) per year. Key features include:Cancer markers, autoimmune panel (ANA), advanced lipids (ApoB), heavy metals (lead), Omega-3, clinician review
What is Empirical Health best for?
Empirical Health offers 100+ biomarkers for $190/year with 1 test(s) per year. Key features include:Personalized MD video visit included, doctor messaging, custom nutrition plan, exercise routines, mobile app
Which offers better value, Function Health or Empirical Health?
Empirical Health offers better value with approximately 52.6 biomarkers per $100 spent, compared to Function Health's 43.8 biomarkers per $100.