Omega-3 & 6 Ratio Test Panel

Certain conditions or diets may make it difficult for your body to get the nutrients it needs. Measure the levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in your blood. Read more

Test details

Sample type:

Blood

Preparation:

Fasting (not eating or drinking anything except water) for 10-12 hours is required. If you are taking supplements or medications, check with your healthcare provider to see whether you should take them before the test. Avoiding supplements containing the nutrients being tested for 24 hours prior to collection is preferred.

Test type: In Person

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$79.00

+ $6.00 Physician Service Fee

Quantity

About the Test

The Omega-3 & 6 Ratio Test Panel measures the levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in your blood.

Identifying and addressing nutrient deficiencies are important steps toward better health. Your body does not produce omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, so you must get them from food or supplements. How nutrients work in your body is influenced by more than just what you eat. These factors include genetics, age, health conditions, medications, metabolism, and how well your body absorbs nutrients.

Avoiding omega-3 and omega-6 rich foods, such as eggs, fish, seeds, or nuts, may make it difficult to get the types of fatty acids your body needs. Having these omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids tested helps you and your doctor decide if you need to supplement them with additional omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

This test may be right for you if you have an egg allergy, or you avoid omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids rich foods as part of your normal diet, and you are concerned about not getting certain nutrients or are experiencing symptoms that suggest a nutrient deficiency.

This test gives you and your healthcare provider information about whether you are deficient in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

This test panel measures the following levels:

Omega-3 fatty acids are also known as essential (your body can’t produce them itself) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Omega-3 fatty acids are involved in many body processes, including blood clotting, muscle function, and cell division and growth—all of which affect heart health. Too little omega-3 can lead to dry skin, an itchy rash, dry eyes, inflammation, joint pain, or depression. Omega-3 PUFAs include eicosatetraenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA).

Omega-6 fatty acids are essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Omega-6 fatty acids have important roles in brain function, skin health, blood clotting, cell health, and growth and development. Too little omega-6 can lead to dry skin, an itchy rash, dry eyes, inflammation, joint pain, or depression. Omega-6 PFUAs include linoleic acid (LA) and arachidonic acid (AA).

This measurement may show the body's intake and storage of EPA, DPA and DHA. A higher percentage suggests optimal levels that are seen with reduced risks of chronic diseases, while a lower percentage may mean there is a need for increased dietary intake or supplementation.^1,2

The AA/EPA ratio is a valuable predictor of cardiovascular risk. A higher ratio is associated with higher risk for major cardiac-related diseases and issues.^3,4,5

The Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio helps determine if there is a proper balance between these two types of fatty acids to ensure optimal health outcomes.^6,7

You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a test on questhealth.com. This test requires specimen collection at a Quest Diagnostics location or through Quest Mobile™, a convenient option for in-home sample collection*. Collection not available in AK, AZ, or HI.

*Check your zip code here for service availability, not available in all locations.

After you provide your specimen, results are typically available within 5–8 business days. However, due to high testing volumes at this time, it may take up to 15 days. Your test results will be available in a clear and easy-to-read report. Independent physicians are available to discuss questions or concerns you may have regarding your results.

How it works

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Complete your test sample collection during your scheduled appointment.

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Access results online as soon as they’re available. You will be emailed when they are ready. Discuss your results with an independent physician at no extra cost. Treatment options may be available.

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Register your test
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After you make a purchase, register your test and Quest Mobile will contact you to schedule an in-home sample collection appointment.

In-home sample collection

A Quest Mobile phlebotomist will collect your sample and deliver it to Quest Diagnostics.

Get fast results

Access results online as soon as they’re available. You will be emailed when they are ready. Discuss your results with an independent physician at no extra cost. Treatment options may be available.

FAQs

Would taking supplements be helpful if I have an omega fatty acid deficiency?

If your body is not absorbing omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acids properly, your doctor may suggest you consider taking a supplement. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help all the cells in your body function as they should. They’re a vital part of your cell membranes, helping to provide structure and supporting interactions between cells. Additionally, they provide your body with energy (calories) and support the health of many body systems, including your cardiovascular and endocrine systems.

While it is unlikely to get too much of a nutrient if you are taking a supplement, getting too much, known as toxicity, is possible. It's recommended to confirm a deficiency through testing and talk with your doctor prior to taking supplements.

Can I use my FSA or HSA funds to purchase tests on questhealth.com?

You may be able to use your FSA or HSA funds to purchase lab tests at questhealth.com. Please review your FSA/HSA plan or check with a tax professional to confirm specific requirements for individual eligibility.

Our references

National Institutes of Health. Omega-3 Fatty Acids - Health Professional Fact Sheet. Accessed July 22, 2024. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-HealthProfessional/
Quest Diagnotics. OmegaCheck. Accessed July 22, 2024. https://testdirectory.questdiagnostics.com/test/test-guides/TS_OmegaCheck/omegacheck?p=td
Itakura H, Yokoyama M, Matsuzaki M, et al. Relationships between plasma fatty acid composition and coronary artery disease. J Atheroscler Thromb. 2011;18:99-107. doi:10.5551/jat.5876
Nelson JR, Raskin S. The eicosapentaenoic acid:arachidonic acid ratio and its clinical utility in cardiovascular disease. Postgrad Med. 2019 May;131(4):268-277. doi: 10.1080/00325481.2019.1607414. Epub 2019 May 7. PMID: 31063407.
Wan JB , Huang LL ,Rong R , et al. Endogenously decreasing tissue n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratio reduces atherosclerotic lesions in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice by inhibiting systemic and vascular inflammation. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol.
Simopoulos AP. The importance of the ratio of omega-6/omega-3 essential fatty acids. Biomed Pharmacother. 2002 Oct;56(8):365-79. doi: 10.1016/s0753-3322(02)00253-6. PMID: 12442909.
Dyall SC. Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids and the brain: a review of the independent and shared effects of EPA, DPA and DHA. Front Aging Neurosci. 2015 Apr 21;7:52. doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2015.00052. PMID: 25954194; PMCID: PMC4404917.
Skypala IJ, McKenzie R. Nutritional issues in food allergy. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. 2019;57(2):166-178. doi:10.1007/s12016-018-8688-x

Tests purchased on questhealth.com are only for individuals who intend to pay directly for testing and do not want to submit a claim for reimbursement under their health insurance.

Omega-3 & 6 Ratio Test Panel