Why Did I Get A Test Not Performed (TNP) Error?

TNP is otherwise known as "inconclusive results".

Here are common reasons that TNP’s happen:

:blue_book: Stats On Why Inconclusive Results Occur


  1. Sample collection volume (90% not enough, 10% too much)

  2. Squeezing finger too hard (rare, less than 2% of customers)


A detailed explanation of why this happens with at-home blood testing:

At-home blood testing is a relatively new technology.  Lab Me’s laboratories are high complexity CAP and CLIA accredited and undergo rigorous audits.  In addition to, 3-5x a day equipment calibration. They are the same labs and equipment that hospitals and clinics rely on.

At-home blood samples are normally finger-prick rather than venous (where blood is taken through a vein in your arm). You only need to fill one or sometimes two, very small microtainers (tiny test tubes), which are then analyzed at the lab using the same analyzers you would find in most hospitals, clinics and research facilities.

In the past, this was reserved primarily for infants. However, around 2017 the technology began to improve and by 2019 the technology was advanced enough that it allowed for many companies to begin trying to replicate what Lab Me had started.

In order to get high resolution and accuracy samples to have to be perfect.  Not close or almost; perfect.  


This is your health and anything less when it comes to your health is not only unethical but potentially dangerous. This is why we choose what tests we sell, measure, and assess very carefully before allowing for public purchase.

We understand that getting a TNP is frustrating.  You spent the time and money to do the test and you were sure you did it exactly right (no one thinks they messed up, trust us).  The labs use automated robotics which means that the sampling process is precise every time.

The error has returned because it wasn’t perfect (98% of the time, not enough sample was collected) and therefore the results aren't accurate which is not acceptable.

Besides the cost of the test kit, shipping, and handling - there is the cost of the analyzers, reagents, scientists, and servers.  Some reagents (used to detect biomarkers) are much more expensive than others which is why the tests vary in price.

At Lab Me - we do our best to make the replacement test affordable therefore we only charge the cost of the kit, shipping, and handling.  We do not make any profit off of your replacement kit.  In fact, it costs us as well.

Therefore, we want you to succeed with your testing - it's in our best interest as well.

The rate of single failures is around 12% (2021) and the rate of double failures is less than 2% (2021).  With more complex testing such as the CBC we see single failure rates around 20% and double failure rates at 8% (2022). The CBC requires a larger amount of blood and does take patience when collecting.

Keep in mind that in the past as humans, we have needed to have a phlebotomist or nurse manually draw the blood from your vein. This changed in what seemed almost overnight.

We ask for your patience and understanding if this has happened to you.  We will always do our best to help accommodate you when you do the second test.

We highly recommend you take a photo of your sample before you close the lid.  In this way, you have documentation of the sample you collected.

We will replace the first test at no charge to you. However, if the second test fails we do require that you pay for the cost of the kit with shipping and handling.

The cost of a replacement test is $19.  
The cost of a replacement CBC is $49 (FedEx overnight makes the majority of that cost)
The cost of a replacement premium test is FREE