What 5Strands Affordable Testing does

5Strands Affordable Testing is a privately held, bootstrapped health and wellness company founded in 2017 and headquartered in Lawrenceville, Georgia. It sells at-home intolerance and imbalance test kits for both humans and pets, using bioresonance technology to analyze hair samples processed in a CLIA-certified U.S. laboratory under a double-pass validation protocol. The product portfolio spans food intolerance tests, environmental sensitivity tests, nutritional imbalance tests, and specialized variants for dogs, cats, and horses, alongside a BlueGreen Algae Water Test sub-brand for cyanobacteria detection.

The core technology relies on comparing hair samples against energetic frequency profiles of hundreds of foods, nutrients, and environmental items to flag potential intolerances, sensitivities, and absorption issues, with results delivered as PDFs, in-app views, or Excel exports within 5–7 business days. Pricing is per-test and ranges from $24.99 to $196, with optional paid consultation sessions ($50–$120) for result interpretation. Third-party validation studies report 83% symptom improvement and 87% quality-of-life improvement outcomes.

The company operates a hybrid go-to-market combining a direct-to-consumer Shopify storefront, a mobile app, Amazon marketplace listings, a 20%-commission affiliate program (with top partners earning $33k–$189k+), and a wholesale/retail channel targeting pet stores. Distribution is U.S.-led with international shipping via downloadable digital kits; New York is the only U.S. shipping exclusion. The company has reached 450,000+ completed tests and 500,000+ reported customers, and has earned media features in Forbes, The New York Times, Today Show, CBS, CNET, and PET AGE. The founding team is led by Austin Collins (Co-Founder/CMO) and Lisa Blaurock (Founder).

Name

5Strands Affordable Testing

Legal name

5Strands Affordable Testing

Website

https://5strands.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

5Strands Affordable Testing, founded in 2017 and based in Lawrenceville, Georgia, sells at-home bioresonance-based hair testing kits for food intolerances, environmental sensitivities, and nutritional imbalances in humans, pets (dogs, cats, horses), and water. The bootstrapped DTC company reaches 450,000+ customers via Shopify, mobile app, affiliates, and pet retail.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

At-Home Intolerance and Sensitivity Testing

NAICS

Medical Laboratories (621511)

SIC

Services-Testing Laboratories (8734)

akta.pro primary industry

Home-Use & OTC Rapid Self-Tests (Consumer POCT kits) (HLAHAOAK)

Keywords

• At-home intolerance testing
• Bioresonance hair testing
• Food sensitivity kits
• Pet allergy testing
• Nutritional imbalance analysis

Headquarters

HQ city

Lawrenceville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Direct Test Kit Sales: One-time purchase of at-home testing kits for food intolerances, environmental sensitivities, nutritional imbalances, and pet testing. Kits range from $24.99 to $196 depending on test type. Revenue recognized upon kit delivery and sample receipt.
2. Consultation Services: One-on-one consultation sessions with vetted consultants to interpret test results and provide guidance on dietary changes. Prices range from $50-$120 for 30-90 minute sessions.
3. Digital Upgrades: Customers can unlock additional test panels or features via mobile app after initial test. Pay only the difference between original test and upgraded test.
4. Wholesale/Retail Distribution: Bulk sales to retail partners and pet stores through wholesale program. Example: Pet Wants generates approximately $24,000 annually in retail sales.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

5Strands Affordable Testing sells at-home hair-based test kits that use bioresonance technology to identify food intolerances, environmental sensitivities, and nutritional imbalances in humans and pets (dogs, cats, horses). Customers mail in a hair sample to a CLIA-certified USA lab and receive results within 5-7 business days via PDF, mobile app, or spreadsheet. The company also offers paid one-on-one People and Pet Consultation services to interpret results.

Product overview

5Strands Affordable Testing is a holistic health and wellness company offering at-home intolerance and imbalance testing for both humans and pets. The product portfolio consists of three main testing categories: Food Intolerance Tests (covering basic food, food & beverage, and specific diet types like raw/fresh, kibble/wet, and freeze-dried), Environmental Sensitivity Tests (covering environmental factors, heavy metals, beauty products), and Nutritional Imbalance Tests (vitamins, minerals, gut health, sports nutrition, comprehensive health assessments). For pets, tests cover dogs, cats, and horses with similar category breakdowns plus specialized equine products. The company also offers consultation services as add-on support. All tests use bioresonance technology analyzing hair samples to identify energetic frequency interactions. Results are delivered via PDF, mobile app, and Excel spreadsheet. Physical tests are shipped as collection kits, with digital versions available for select products.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• BLUEGREEN TEST: A rapid diagnostic tool designed to detect hepatotoxins in water, providing results in 15 minutes using a single-step immunocomplex assay method.

Products and services

• Food Intolerance Test At-home hair-based test identifying food intolerances for adults and children by comparing hair sample energy against hundreds of everyday foods. Priced at $73.00.
• Food & Environmental Sensitivity Test Combined at-home hair test for humans that screens both food intolerances and environmental sensitivities in a single kit. Priced at $89.00.
• Food & Beverage Intolerance Test Hair-based at-home test focused on foods and beverages that may be causing digestive discomfort or inflammatory responses in humans.
• Environmental Sensitivity Test At-home hair-based test identifying environmental triggers in humans, including topical ingredients and parasites that may cause sensitivity symptoms such as skin irritation, fatigue, and headaches. Priced at $63.00.
• Environmental Sensitivity Test (Digital) Downloadable, kit-free version of the environmental sensitivity test for international or non-US customers who do not need a physical collection kit shipped.
• Beauty & Hygiene Sensitivity Test Hair-based test identifying sensitivities to beauty products, cosmetics, and hygiene items that may be causing skin irritation or other reactions in humans.
• Heavy Metal Sensitivity Test At-home hair-based test assessing the body's energetic response to heavy metals and minerals, helping identify items the body may be struggling to process or eliminate. Priced at $56.00.
• Vitamin & Mineral Imbalance Test Hair-based test showing when the body is not absorbing essential vitamins and minerals properly, helping correct deficiencies and restore energy. Priced at $66.00.
• Health & Wellness Assessment Comprehensive human assessment combining sensitivity and imbalance testing to provide holistic insights into how the body reacts to foods, environment, and nutrients. Priced at $139.00 (sale from $144.00).
• Comprehensive Health & Wellness Assessment Full-spectrum human test covering food intolerances, environmental sensitivities, and nutritional imbalances for complete health profiling. Priced at $169.00 (sale from $193.00).
• Sports Nutrition Health Test Hair-based test tailored for athletes and active individuals to identify how the body responds to sports nutrition items and optimize athletic performance through targeted dietary adjustments.
• Comprehensive Gut Health Test At-home hair-based test focused on gut health and microbiome interactions, helping users understand how their digestive system responds to various foods and identify areas for improvement.
• Gut Health Test At-home hair-based test examining digestive system responses to identify gut-related sensitivities and imbalances in humans.
• Pet Food Intolerance Test At-home hair test for dogs and cats that identifies food intolerances, helping pet owners understand what their pet's digestive system is reacting to. Priced at $83.00.
• Pet Food Intolerance & Environmental Sensitivity Test Combined at-home hair test for dogs and cats covering both food intolerances and environmental sensitivities, addressing symptoms such as chronic itching, digestive issues, and skin problems. Priced at $123.00.
• Raw & Fresh Pet Food Intolerance Test Hair-based test specifically designed for pets on raw and fresh food diets, identifying sensitivities to raw meat, fresh ingredients, and related items. Priced at $76.00.
• Kibble & Wet Pet Food Intolerance Test At-home hair test tailored for pets on commercial kibble and wet food diets, identifying intolerances to common ingredients found in processed pet foods.
• Freeze-Dried Pet Food Intolerance Test At-home hair test for pets on freeze-dried diets, identifying sensitivities to freeze-dried proteins, fruits, vegetables, and other ingredients.
• Comprehensive Pet Health Assessment Full-spectrum pet health test covering food intolerances, environmental sensitivities, and nutritional imbalances for comprehensive pet wellness profiling. Priced at $169.00 (sale from $196.00).
• Pet Nutritional Imbalance Test Hair-based test showing how well pets absorb vitamins, minerals, and nutrients from their food, identifying deficiencies and imbalances that may affect pet health.
• Comprehensive Equine Intolerance & Imbalance Test Hair-based test designed for horses covering food intolerances and nutritional imbalances, helping owners identify dietary triggers and deficiencies in equine companions.
• People Consultation Services One-on-one consultation sessions with vetted human consultants (e.g., Stacey Vigue, Sarah Dawkins) who walk users through their 5Strands test results and provide guidance on food swaps, nutritional corrections, and environmental changes. Sessions priced $50–$120 for 30–90 minutes.
• Pet Consultation Services Consultant sessions helping pet owners interpret 5Strands test results, navigate dietary changes, address nutritional imbalances, and adjust environmental factors. Available for dogs, cats, and horses.
• Blue-Green Algae Water Test Rapid diagnostic test detecting hepatotoxins from blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) in water sources using a single-step immunocomplex assay that identifies eleven common hepatotoxins in 15 minutes, protecting pets and family from harmful algal blooms. Priced at $24.99 single, with bundle pricing down to $17.85 each for a 7-kit bundle.

Quantifiable outcome

• Third-party validated: 83% reported overall health improvement after following recommendations
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Everlywell: Direct-to-consumer at-home health testing company offering food sensitivity, allergy, and wellness test kits. Closest comparable by GTM motion (DTC e-commerce, Shopify storefront), product category (intolerance/sensitivity panels), and target customer (health-conscious consumers).
• US Biotek: Specialty lab offering food intolerance and environmental sensitivity testing for both humans and pets via hair and serum samples. Highly comparable product overlap, including the human-and-pet dual focus that distinguishes 5Strands.
• Viome: DTC gut microbiome and food sensitivity testing company with similar positioning around personalized nutrition recommendations from at-home test kits. Comparable business model and target persona.
• LetsGetChecked: Direct-to-consumer at-home health testing brand with broad menu including food sensitivity, hormones, and wellness panels. Comparable DTC motion, sample collection model, and pricing structure.
• myLAB Box: At-home testing company offering food sensitivity, wellness, and lifestyle panels via DTC channels. Comparable product breadth and direct-to-consumer distribution approach.
• NutriScan: Pet-specific food intolerance and sensitivity testing service for dogs and cats. Direct competitor on the pet side of 5Strands' portfolio with overlapping customer base of health-conscious pet owners.
• Glacier Peak Holistics: Pet wellness company offering intolerance and sensitivity testing for dogs and cats using saliva and hair samples. Direct competitor specifically within the pet intolerance testing niche.

Broad incumbents

• Thorne: Wellness brand offering at-home testing alongside a broader supplements portfolio. Comparable product category but operates as an established incumbent with nutritional products and clinical-grade positioning.
• Labcorp OnDemand: Direct-to-consumer testing arm of a major clinical laboratory network offering food sensitivity and general wellness panels. Comparable testing category but with significantly greater clinical validation and scale.

Emerging players

• Cerascreen: European-based at-home testing company offering food intolerance, gut health, and wellness panels. Comparable product offering but primarily serves European markets, making it a regional adjacent peer.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/5Strands_
• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/5Strands
• Facebookfacebook.com/5StrandsTesting
• Instagraminstagram.com/5strands_
• Pinterestpinterest.com/5strands

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about 5Strands Affordable Testing