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

Function Health
Empirical Health
Independent Analysis 2025 Updated Pricing Complete Biomarker Coverage

Quick Comparison Summary

Best Value
Empirical Health
44.7 biomarkers per $100
Most Comprehensive
Function Health
100+ biomarkers tested
Most Tests Per Year
Function Health
2 tests/year

Cost & Value Comparison

Service Details

FeatureFunction HealthEmpirical Health
Lab Locations2000+ Quest2200+ locations
Key FeaturesCancer markers, autoimmune panel, advanced lipids, MTHFR genetic, heavy metals, clinician reviewPersonalized MD video visit included, doctor messaging, custom nutrition plan, exercise routines, mobile app
Notes$499/year or $42/month (promotional $365 first year). 100+ lab tests 2x/year. Galleri cancer screening and MRI/CT add-ons from $499$190 per test with MD review included. Best value with physician consultation. 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

Tests Only in Empirical Health

Complete Biomarker Comparison by Category

BiomarkerFunction HealthEmpirical Health
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Hemoglobin
Hematocrit
Red Blood Cell Count (RBC)
White Blood Cell Count (WBC)
Platelet Count
MCV, MCH, MCHC
RDW (Red Cell Distribution Width)
Mean Platelet Volume (MPV)
Immature Granulocytes
Neutrophils
Lymphocytes
Monocytes
Eosinophils
Basophils
Band Neutrophils
Reactive Lymphocytes
Lipid Panel / Cardiovascular Health
Total Cholesterol
LDL Cholesterol
HDL Cholesterol
Triglycerides
VLDL Cholesterol
Apolipoprotein B (ApoB)
Lipoprotein (a)
LDL Particle Number
LDL Particle Size
Oxidized LDL (OxLDL)
Apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1)
Non-HDL Cholesterol
Total Cholesterol/HDL Ratio
LDL/HDL Ratio
ApoB/ApoA1 Ratio
Metabolic Health / Glucose
Fasting Glucose
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)
Insulin
Uric Acid
C-Peptide
Liver Function
ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase)
AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase)
ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase)
GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase)
Bilirubin (Total)
Albumin
Total Protein
Globulin
Lipase
De Ritis Ratio (AST/ALT)
Kidney Function
Creatinine
BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen)
eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate)
BUN/Creatinine Ratio
Cystatin C
Albumin/Globulin Ratio (A/G)
Electrolytes &Minerals
Sodium
Potassium
Chloride
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Calcium
Magnesium
Zinc
Copper
PTH (Parathyroid Hormone)
Thyroid Function
TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)
Free T4 (Thyroxine)
Free T3 (Triiodothyronine)
TPO Antibodies (Thyroid Peroxidase)
Thyroglobulin Antibodies
Iodine
Selenium
Reverse T3
Sex Hormones (Male)
Total Testosterone
Free Testosterone
SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin)
Estradiol (E2)
PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen)
DHEA-S
Pregnenolone
Sex Hormones (Female)
Estradiol (E2)
Progesterone
FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)
LH (Luteinizing Hormone)
Prolactin
AMH (Anti-Mullerian Hormone)
Inflammation &Immune Markers
hs-CRP (High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein)
ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate)
Homocysteine
Fibrinogen
Vitamins &Nutrients
Vitamin D (25-Hydroxy)
Vitamin B12
Folate
Ferritin
Iron (Serum)
TIBC (Total Iron Binding Capacity)
Stress &Adrenal Function
Cortisol
Advanced / Specialty Markers
Omega-3 Index / Fatty Acids
Heavy Metals - Lead
Heavy Metals - Mercury
Creatine Kinase
IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor)
HOMA-IR (Insulin Resistance)
Osteocalcin
Leptin
Adiponectin
Autoimmune Markers
ANA Screen (Antinuclear Antibodies)
ANA Titer
ANA Pattern
Rheumatoid Factor (RF)
Celiac Disease Panel (Comprehensive)
Cancer Screening Markers
CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen)
CA-125 (Ovarian Cancer)
CA 19-9 (Pancreatic/GI Cancer)
AFP (Alpha-Fetoprotein - Liver Cancer)
Additional Specialized Tests
Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratio
LDL-P (LDL Particle Number)
LDL Particle Size Analysis
HDL Subfractions (Large/Small)
Transferrin Saturation
Urinalysis
Urine Appearance
Urine Color
Urine pH
Urine Specific Gravity
Urine Protein
Urine Glucose
Urine Ketones
Urine Bilirubin
Urine Blood (Occult)
Urine Nitrite
Urine Leukocyte Esterase
Urine WBC
Urine RBC
Urine Bacteria
Squamous Epithelial Cells (Urine)
Transitional Epithelial Cells (Urine)
Renal Epithelial Cells (Urine)
Hyaline Casts (Urine)
Granular Casts (Urine)
Urine Crystals
Calcium Oxalate Crystals (Urine)
Uric Acid Crystals (Urine)
Triple Phosphate Crystals (Urine)
Yeast (Urine)
Reducing Substances (Urine)

Ready to Choose?

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 44.7 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 $499 per year for 2, while Empirical Health costs $190 per year for 1. The cost per test is $250 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.

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