How DIY Bloodwork Is Changing the Game

Step one of any health journey? Bloodwork. Yep, before the yoga mats, supplements, or celery juice, it all begins with a needle. That little vial of red gold is basically the treasure map to your health, showing you things that kale smoothies and “listening to your body” just can’t.

The problem? Getting that blood drawn is a huge pain in the arm (literally). It involves a doctor’s script, a lab appointment and a waiting game for the results. And while it’s a somewhat simple process, it is never convenient.

I am always aggravated by the daunting task of going into a lab for the blood draw. In my neighborhood, finding a lab appointment is harder than scoring a Reformer in the most popular Pilates class. So I usually end up as a walk-in—which means lining up 30 minutes before the lab opens, shivering in the freezing cold with other bleary-eyed “geniuses” who had the same plan. And of course, fasting bloodwork and hormonal bloodwork always need to happen in the morning. You know, right when I should be home making sure my kids aren’t going to school with their shirts inside out. So when a doctor hands me a script for bloodwork, the reaction they receive from me is nothing less than a loud sigh and not so subtle eye roll.

And not to mention the long waiting game that then ensues. Sure, it’s gotten better but waiting over a week for your results isn’t ideal. But this is how we all do it because we know we need to… until now.

This summer I learned about a company that is turning the usual routine of blood draws on its head. Rythm created a convenient, easy and fast way to get your bloodwork done every single month. Yes, you read that right. Every month. Not every year or when you can find time. And it makes sense. If you want to be diligent about your health, waiting a full year to learn about something your blood can easily reveal seems crazy. But with the blood draw process like the one I talked about above, I am actually thankful to only have to go through it once a year.

Nonetheless, there are major problems with the current process. Say your bloodwork reveals a deficiency. So you spend time with your doctor coming up with a treatment plan. And you implement the treatment plan. And then you wait. And wait. And wait. You wait a full year to find out if that deficiency has been resolved. And that doesn’t make sense. And it really doesn’t make sense when it comes to our hormones. Hormones change daily, weekly and monthly. I know because I am currently at the point in my life where I am trying to figure out what the hell is going on with mine. That is why I am so happy that a company like Rythm has come along. Testing during certain times of my cycle over the course of several months will give me and my doctor a much more accurate picture and hopefully a much more successful treatment plan.

Rythm tests 17 biomarkers in the areas of metabolic fitness, hormone balance and heart health each month. Additional, more specific labs can also be ordered.

So how does this DIY at-home blood draw actually work? Of course I did it and am here to share my survival story… just kidding. You can also see what the clean and pain-free process looked like for me here. After an app is downloaded, an order is placed and a kit is delivered to your front door, it’s time to put on your nurse’s hat. No, I’m not joking. You are going to get your own blood from your own arm all by yourself, whether you are qualified or not. Before you faint, let me explain—Rythm makes the process super easy and actually painless. And this is coming from someone who hates the sight of blood (that’s why I didn’t follow in my father’s footsteps by becoming a dentist).

Let me take you through the process:

Before you start, there is a quick video to watch. You’ll be walked through each step of the blood draw.

This is the little device that is the most painless way to get blood, IMO.

Each kit comes with everything you need for your blood draw, including a reusable heating pad.

The longest part of the process is warming up your blood so it will easily flow into the vial. This part takes about 4 minutes.

The device is attached to the arm with a sticker. Then you push the red button to release the needle and start the blood draw. It’s easy and clean. And I swear that it somehow doesn’t hurt.

It takes about a minute for the blood to start flowing.

Once you’ve filled the vial, you pop it in the mail, and your results are available on the app within 4 days. It really is that easy.

When I got my results, I actually took them to my doctor to review. But the app provides a long description of your results, as well. They flag areas of concern and offer ways to improve your health in those areas (including discounts to supplements). And once you have more than one test under your belt, you’ll be able to track your results on the app over time. Your health records are easily maintained on the app.

Honestly, I was a little nervous about this one. The whole “DIY blood draw” thing sounded sketchy at first. But it was surprisingly… empowering? Like, “look at me being all medical”. I mean, I was able to shoot a selfie in the middle of taking my own blood!

Plus, no waiting rooms. No lines. No freezing in the dark outside the lab at 6:30 a.m. So if you’re serious about your health, or just want to skip the drama of the old-school lab experience, Rythm might just become your new favorite health hack. It certainly is mine.

Use this code CI8NVJIN for $20 off your first order at Rythm.