Life Line Screening Reviews: Are their Preventive Health Screenings worth it?



Medically reviewed by:
Dr. Steve Kim, MD

About Dr. Steve Kim, MD

Physician Advisor

Dr. Kim received his BA in Human Biology at Stanford University, before receiving his M.D. degree (Primary Care Track) from UC Davis School of Medicine in 1989. Dr. Kim completed his Internship & Residency in Family Practice from Glendale Adventist Hospital and is Board-Certified in Family Medicine via the American Board of Family Medicine. He has re-certified multiple times; and is currently Board-Certified through December 2030. He has served as Sr Medical Editor for Healthline, and has held faculty appointments at Stanford & UCSF medical schools. He is also a decorated, retired Flight Surgeon from the US Air Force Reserves.

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Did you know that, according to the American Heart Association, around 80% of stroke and cardiovascular disease can be prevented?

Even if you’re not showing any symptoms, preventive screenings can detect your risk factor before things go downhill. And since 4 out of 5 stroke victims’ first symptom is the stroke itself (source: American Academy of Neurology), screenings should be top-of-mind. 

And yet, preventive health screenings occupy a curious place in the people’s mind. On the one hand, we know how important it is to keep ahead of any health issues. But on the other hand, actually going out and doing them can be a bit of a pain.

For many people, traveling to a hospital and speaking to doctors when they don’t have pressing medical issues is inconvenient. But what if someone simplified the whole process from start to finish?

Enter: Life Line Screening. They promise to provide non-invasive screenings that can help identify risk factors for a wide range of illnesses. Let’s take a look at how they stack up in the overall market. We’re also able to offer some exclusive discounts for our readers. 

Table of Contents

Who is Life Line Screening?

Life Line Screening is a well-established nationwide company that has been making people aware of unrecognized health problems since 1993. They screen about 1 million people per year and are dedicated to providing high-quality screenings at affordable rates.

To achieve this, Life Line Screening hosts over 14,000 screening events per year in community buildings like town halls, libraries, and churches. From these locations, they offer patients dozens of different screenings that can be grouped into the following four categories.

  • Cardiovascular Disease & Stroke Risk
  • Liver, Kidney, & Diabetes
  • Cancer
  • Bone & Joint
Person getting a blood pressure test during a health screening
Source: Mufid Majnun

The process is remarkably streamlined and smooth and seeks to eliminate the discomfort and inconvenience associated with trips to the hospital or health clinics.

So, how does it work?

Life Line Screening Preventive Health Process

1 – First, you book an appointment on their website. From there, you’ll receive detailed instructions about where and when to check in for your screening. Additionally, Life Line Screening will provide details of how you can prepare for your appointment.

2 – Upon arrival, you are welcomed at registration, where you fill out a quick health questionnaire. The more organized among us can fill these forms out before arrival. Once that information is completed, a Life Line Screening tech will bring you to a private screening area to perform your tests.

3 – Each screening is conducted in just a few minutes. Best of all is that you can stay clothed and relaxed the whole time.

4 – Some of your test results may be available at the screening. While the rest of your results — which may require a board-certified physician’s review — are mailed to your home within around 14 days. These results will include more detailed findings that your can share with your personal physician.

Oh, and by the way, trained technicians do the screening process itself. Life Line Screening uses state-of-the-art technology to perform quick, easy, and pain-free medical screenings using three different methods.

Credit: Owen Beard

Life Line Screening Testing Methods

Model depicting the anatomy of a heart
Source: Robina Weermeijer

What screenings does Life Line Screenings offer, specifically?

Cardiovascular Disease & Stroke Risk screenings

Carotid Artery Disease

Carotid artery disease happens if plaque builds up in the artery that runs from the neck and to the brain. If left unchecked, it can lead to sudden difficulty talking, garbled speech, or even a deadly or debilitating stroke. Not trying to scare anyone, but the point is that it’s important.

Screening method: Ultrasound

Warning signs include:

  • Numbness or weakness on one side of the body
  • Dizziness
  • Sudden difficulty talking
  • Sudden vision problems

Who is this test for? Carotid artery disease screenings are recommended for anyone who is 50+ or for anyone 40+ at risk of cardiovascular disease (risk factors include family history of stroke or cardiovascular disease, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity).

Cost: [see latest price based on your location]

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) occurs when the aorta stretches and expands into the belly. This serious medical emergency can cause bleeding into the abdomen.

Screening method: Ultrasound

Warning signs include:

  • Severe abdominal or back pain
  • Shock
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

Who is this test for? AAA screenings are recommended for anyone who is 50+ or for anyone 40+ at risk of cardiovascular disease (risk factors include family history of stroke or cardiovascular disease, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity).

Cost: [see latest price based on your location]

Atrial Fibrillation (Afib)

Atrial fibrillation (Afib), known as arrhythmia, occurs when the upper chambers of the heartbeat irregularly. This condition may lead to blood clots, which can travel to the brain, causing a stroke.

Screening Method: Limited EKG designed to identify Atrial Fibrillation

Warning signs include: 

  • Chest pain
  • Heart palpitations
  • Shortness of breath, even at rest

Who is this test for? Adults aged 50+, or anyone 40+ with any of these risk factors: obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, Coronary artery disease, smoking, overactive thyroid, heavy alcohol or caffeine consumption, sleep apnea.

Cost: [see latest price based on your location]

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a hardening of the arteries of the leg. It can lead to pain in the feet or legs and even gangrene. 

Screening method: Blood pressure cuffs are secured around the ankles and arms. From there, an ultrasound measures the systolic blood pressure of the limbs.

Warning signs include:

  • Leg pains
  • Smooth and shiny skin on the feet and legs
  • Constant leg pain
  • Loss of sensation in the legs.

Who is this test for? Adults aged 50+, plus adults aged 40+ with a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (risk factors include family history of stroke or cardiovascular disease, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity).

Cost: [see latest price based on your location]

Complete Lipid Panel/Cholesterol Test

Cholesterol is a substance that can cause plaque buildup in the arteries. This can lead to blood clots, a stroke, or heart attacks. By measuring cholesterol levels, patients can determine their risk of developing atherosclerosis.

Screening method: Finger-stick blood sample

Warning signs:

  • High cholesterol has no warning signs and can only be detected by doing a test.

Who is this test for? Adults over 50, plus adults over 20 who have a risk factor (risk factors include family history of stroke or cardiovascular disease, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity).

Cost: [see latest price based on your location]

6 For Life Health Screening Assessment

6 For Life Health Screening Assessment tests for stroke, diabetes, heart disease, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Testing method: Finger-stick blood sample and blood pressure.

Warning signs include:

  • It varies depending on the condition

Who is this test for? It is recommended for anyone who is age 50+ or for anyone 40+ with a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (risk factors include family history of stroke or cardiovascular disease, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity).

Cost: [see latest price based on your location]

C-Reactive Protein Test

A C-reactive protein test screens for inflammation. The body releases C-reactive protein if arteries are clogged with plaque. 

Testing method: Finger-stick blood test

Warning signs:  None

Who is this test for? It is recommended for anyone who is age 50+ or for anyone 40+ with a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (risk factors include family history of stroke or cardiovascular disease, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity).

Cost: $60

Annual Key Health Men and Women Preventive Health Screening

This test is used to assess risk for six chronic conditions: type 2 diabetes, heart disease, heart failure, stroke, lung cancer and COPD. Additionally, it scans for c-reactive protein, glucose blood levels, and high cholesterol.

Screening Method: Finger-stick blood sample, plus other metrics like BMI and blood pressure. The test requires 12 hours of fasting beforehand.

Warning signs include: It varies depending on the condition

Who is this test for? Adults 50+ who want to take a detailed look at their vascular health.

Cost: $99

Men’s Wellness Panel

This comprehensive wellness panel tests for prostate cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Understanding these biomarkers give a good picture of overall health.

Screening method: Finger-stick blood sample

Warning signs: It varies depending on the condition. 

Who is this test for? Men over 40+ looking to take a more proactive approach to their wellness.

Cost: $139

*Optionally, a Men’s Premium Panel Plus test is available for $199. In addition to screening for the conditions in the regular Men’s Wellness Panel, it also tests for kidney function, blood sugar levels, and thyroid function.

Women's Wellness Panel

The women’s wellness panel is a comprehensive test for thyroid function, blood sugar levels, and c-reactive protein. Understanding these biomarkers give a good picture of overall health.

Screening method: Finger-stick blood sample

Warning signs include: It varies depending on the condition. 

Who is this test for? Women over 40+ who want to take a more proactive approach to their wellness.

Cost: $139

*Optionally, a Women’s Wellness Panel Plus is also available for $149. This includes a test for kidney function.

Healthy foods by Ella Olsson
Source: Ella Olsson

Liver, Kidney, & Diabetes preventive screenings

Kidney Function Test

Undiagnosed kidney disease causes toxins and waste to accumulate in the body, leading to issues like stroke, heart disease, decreased immune response, and death.

Screening method: Finger-stick blood sample

Warning signs include:

  • Vomiting or nausea
  • Poor concentration
  • Sleeplessness
  • Fatigue
  • High blood pressure
  • Frequent urination

Who is this test for? Adults aged 60+, and adults aged 50+ with a risk factor of diabetes, high blood pressure or family history of kidney disease.

Cost: $60

Type 2 Diabetes Test and Diagnosis

Diabetes mellitus is a group of diseases where the body doesn’t produce enough insulin. Because insulin is used to convert blood glucose to energy, type 1 and type 2 diabetes causes an excess of glucose in the bloodstream, damaging health.

Screening method: Finger-stick blood glucose screening

Warning signs include:

  • Frequent urination
  • Extreme hunger
  • Extreme weight loss
  • Unusual thirst
  • Fatigue
  • Slowly healing cuts or bruises
  • Recurring skin, gum, or bladder infections

Who is this test for? Adults 45+ or younger adults with risk factors for diabetes (risk factors include family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, physical inactivity, BMI of 25 or over).

Cost: $60

Liver Function Screening

Damage to the liver can lead to liver failure, which is life-threatening.

Screening method: Finger-stick blood test 

Warning signs include:

  • Skin or eyes that appear yellowish
  • Swelling in the legs and ankles
  • Stomach pain
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Dark urine

Who is this test for? Adults aged 45+

Cost: $60

A1c Screening

The American Diabetes Association recommends the A1c test to diagnose prediabetes, type 1 diabetes, and type 2 diabetes. This test screens average blood sugar levels for the past 2-3 months.

Screening method: Finger-stick blood test

Warning signs include:

  • Frequent urination
  • Extreme hunger
  • Extreme weight loss
  • Unusual thirst
  • Fatigue
  • Slowly healing cuts or bruises
  • Recurring skin, gum, or bladder infections

Who is this test for? Adults at risk of diabetes

Cost: $60

Kidney Function, Liver Function, and C-Reactive Protein Screening

As covered above, kidney and liver damage have significant health implications. Because many of these conditions can develop without symptoms, early screening is vital.

Screening method: Finger-stick blood sample

Warning signs include: It varies depending on the condition. 

Who is this test for? Adults over 40, plus adults 20+ with diabetes or prediabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of liver or kidney disease. Additionally, adults with cardiovascular disease risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity (body mass index 25 or higher), smoking (past or present), or a family history of stroke or heart disease.

Cost: $139

Source: Hillary Ungson
Prostate Cancer (PSA) Test

Prostate cancer is statistically the second most common type of cancer. While mortality rates from prostate cancer have dropped in recent times, the disease is mainly symptomless, making early screening crucial.

Screening method: finger-stick blood sample

Warning signs include:

  • blood in urine
  • impotence
  • difficulty with urination
  • bone pain in ribs, hips, and spine
  • Muscle weakness and nerve pain

Who is this test for? Men aged between 40-69, especially those with a family history of prostate cancer

Cost: $60

Colorectal Cancer Screening Test

Colorectal Cancer can develop from precancerous polyps found in the colon or rectum. While these kits do not detect cancer, they can screen for indications of colorectal cancer, like blood in the stool.

Screening method: take-home kit

Warning signs include:

  • Blood in the stool
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Frequent stomach pain or aches

Who is this test for? Adults aged 45+, or those with a family history of colorectal cancer

Cost: $65

Father and daughter playing in the pool
Source: National Cancer Institute

Bone & Joint screenings

Osteoporosis (Bone Density) Screening

Osteoporosis is a condition that can affect bone density. When new bone is replaced too slowly, bones can become too brittle. This condition leads to millions of broken bones each year.

Screening method: Ultrasound

Warning signs include:

  • Bone fractures when aged 50+
  • Back pain
  • Loss of height
  • Changes in posture, like becoming more hunched over

Who is this test for? Adults aged 50+, or those with osteoporosis risk factors, such as smoking, inactivity, excessive alcohol consumption, low calcium or vitamin d.

Cost: [see latest price based on your location]

Vitamin D Deficiency Testing

Vitamin D is vital for muscle function, bone health, and fighting infection. It’s also crucial in helping nutrient and vitamin absorption in the body. Vitamin D deficiency has been heavily linked to cognitive impairment, increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease, and cancer.

Screening method: Finger-stick blood sample

Warning signs include: 

  • Fatigue
  • Bone or back pain
  • Hair loss
  • Depression
  • Bone pain

Who is This Test For? Adults over 21, especially those with risk factors like obesity, low exposure to sunlight, vegans, and darker skin.

Cost: $60

Bone Health Test (for both men and women)

Osteoporosis occurs when the body loses too much bone. Literally translated as “porous bone,” this condition can be severe and lead to easily fractured bones.

The condition is difficult to detect until a bone is broken, but screening for Vitamin D levels in the blood, bone density, and thyroid function can help with early detection.

Screening method: Finger-stick blood sample & ultrasound

Warning signs include:

  • None

Who is This Test For? Women near on in menopause and adults who have broken a bone after the age of 50.

Cost: $99

dog playing with a bone
Source: Chewy

Life Line Screening Pros and Cons: Is it worth getting a preventive health screening?

One big argument that sometimes steers people away from getting a preventive health screening is that the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force’s guidelines actually often recommend people not get one done, if they’re asymptomatic. Why? Because often these screenings identify a cardiovascular problem for patients, which can cause intense anxiety and fear, even if it ends up being a false positive. Dr. Steven Gubin, a board-certified cardiologist of the Stern Cardiovascular Center, says this, though

happy father and child by Mieke Campbell
Source: Mieke Campbell

You're actually screening people who don't have symptoms so you can prevent a cardiovascular event," he said. "You can actually identify patients that have very early signs of atherosclerosis (plaque build-up). If you pick up plaque at an early age, you'd be more aggressive in treating the risk factors to help prevent a cardiovascular event. These screenings save lives, definitely.

The fact is, there are good points on both sides of the argument around the validity of preventive health screenings. But ask yourself this: if the “worst” risk is that evidence of cardiovascular disease risk is identified, if even a false-positive, is that so horrible? I imagine that if I were ever in this situation, the initial anxiety and fear that I felt would quickly turn into a personal mission to improve my diet, lifestyle habits, and fitness regimen to stop any cardiovascular problems in their tracks. It is recommended to review all results with your personal physician to take action. 

With that being said, let’s take a look at the arguments for and against using Life Line Screening for your next preventive health screening.

Pros of Life Line Screening

  • Affordable prices. If someone were to get their carotid artery checked, it may cost over $1,000, even with insurance. With Life Line Screening, it’s only $149 for a package of 5 screenings to identify risks of cardiovascular disease and stroke. 
  • Generous pricing packages. For $149, you can get screenings done for all five of the following*: 
  • Life Line Screening is a CLIA-certified lab, meaning their lab processes meet or exceed the guidelines set by the federal government.
  • Effective at screening for health problems, even if you’re asymptomatic. 
  • Life Line Screening has screened over 10 million people since 1993. 
  • Over 14,000 locations in the US
  • Great online reviews from their customers (incl. A+ rating on the BBB)

*To take advantage of this package deal, you’ll just have to use any link in this article.

Cons of Life Line Screening

  • Insurance usually does not cover preventive screenings.
  • Screenings are designed to identify problems; not measure the severity of a specific condition. If the test results of a screening do uncover an issue, you’ll then need to consult with a physician about getting more quantitative testing done.
Nurse with a patient
Source: Zach Vessels

Life Line Screening Reviews: What are others on the internet saying?

Online reviews for Life Line Screening are generally positive. Some negative reviews are a result of a misunderstanding of the service. For example, some reviewers believe the scope of the service should include health treatments; however, Life Line Screening’s service is explicitly about identifying conditions so that patients can seek medical treatment.

Remember that these testimonials reflect real life stories from Life Line Screening customers. If you see testimonials that include abnormal findings, like false positives or negatives, this doesn’t necessarily reflect the typical experience. Most screening results are normal.

Jennifer S.
Gloucester, MA
Read More
I have used this company for two years now and have really appreciated it. Other than a finger prick, the screenings are noninvasive. I drive up to NH to take the tests I can't get in MA. I don't believe that anyone can call these tests "dangereus" in any way, shape, of form! Give me a break! The only people that "complain" are the ones that want to make up excuses for not investing their money in their health. Can a test come back false positive or false negative, sure. Like any test can. But I wonder rather follow up on a false positive than know nothing ever and then die of an aneurysm or stroke. And if you get tested annually, a false negative will come out positive the next time, most likely. To me, Lifeline gives me the layer of "security" I enjoy to continue knowing I am doing everything I can to be healthy in life. Everything
Frank H.
Secor, IL
Read More
Life Line stuck some things on me, shot me with little magnetic things and then thet came back with something that says I had a partial blockage in one of my arteries. All in all, things went well. I've been going to Life Line for a few years. I couldn't tell you when the first one was. Everybody's friendly, happy and well-versed in what they're doing.
Norma S
Read More
I have done lifeline screening for 10 years. I love getting all the services done quickly at 1 place. I have never had a Doctor do all that in one location at 1 appointment. I love comparing my results year after year. It is a great value with professional people. Great care is taken.
Christine of California
Read More
I've done this annually for 8 years. I highly recommend it. It gives you "peace of mind" and screenings your doctor will not do unless you are a "health risk". It is also very affordable. Can't wait for my screening in March!"
Francena G.
Abingdon, VA
Read More
I had a good experience with Life Line Screening. They were helpful but still, I've been there several times, and they never found any problem. I am short of breath. I'm seeing my heart doctor today, and he's gonna do the stress test.
Cynthia
Technicians were friendly and explained...
Read More
Technicians were friendly and explained all the tests. I appreciated the steps they are taking to make sure that all are safe from Covid. I would recommend anyone considering a visit, to do so.
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The Bottom Line: Is Life Line Screening a good option for getting preventive health screenings?

As the old saying goes, prevention is better than cure. As people reach their 40s and 50s and beyond, they become more susceptible to health complications. Traditional methods like visiting a clinic or hospital can be time-consuming and expensive. Additionally, many people find hospital screening to be invasive, uncomfortable, and even painful.

Life Line Screening offers a credible alternative through affordable and straightforward screening options for a wide variety of conditions. Some of their tests can be taken individually for between $60- $139. However, 5 screenings to identify risks of cardiovascular disease and stroke can be booked in a package for only $149. This package represents great value for money and all 5 screenings are performed in 1 appointment.

The program employs doctors and technicians and uses cutting-edge technology to provide peace of mind or early detection. Additionally, the service maintains strict quality checks to ensure tests are accurate.

Getting out in front of medical complications is an excellent way to avoid severe health problems in the future. By providing people with a hassle-free way to proactively screen for illness, Life Line Screening’s service is extremely valuable and well worth the money. After all, as anyone who suffers from an illness will tell you, health is our greatest wealth.