Omega-3 Index levels: what's normal, high and low
The percentage of EPA + DHA in your red blood cell membranes. A long-term marker of omega-3 status.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
The short answer
Omega-3 Index is measured with a standard blood draw; no fasting is needed. A typical reference range is 8.00 – 12.0 %. At TestWell it's $69.99 all-in as Omega-3 Index, results in 7–10 business days, drawn at Quest or Labcorp. An out-of-range result is a prompt to look closer, not a diagnosis.
- Units
- %
- Sample
- Blood draw
- Fasting
- Not required
- Results
- 7–10 business days
- Price
- $69.99
- Labs
- Quest or Labcorp
Omega-3 Index Reference Range
These are the typical adult reference ranges used by major US labs. Your report will include the specific range used by the lab that processed your sample.
| Population | Range |
|---|---|
| age 18+ | 8.00 – 12.0 % |
Reference ranges are educational. Always interpret your result with the specific range printed on your lab report and discuss anything outside the range with a clinician.
Have a result in hand? analyze it with your AI assistant using these reviewed ranges, or run it through our explainer. Tools: look up another marker's range · convert lab units
What your Omega-3 Index result may mean
Below 4% is associated with higher cardiovascular risk; the target is generally 8% or above.
What a low Omega-3 Index means: causes, symptoms, next steps ↓Educational only — not a diagnosis. Many factors can influence a single result. Discuss anything that concerns you with a healthcare provider.
What does a low Omega-3 Index mean?
The Omega-3 Index is the share of EPA and DHA in red-cell membranes — a three-month average of intake. Below 4% is associated with the highest cardiovascular risk in observational studies, 8% or above with the lowest; most Americans sit around 4–5%. It rises with fatty fish two to three times a week or EPA/DHA supplements, and takes three to four months to reflect a change.
Common causes of a low Omega-3 Index
- Low intake of oily fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel, herring)
- No EPA/DHA supplementation; plant omega-3 (ALA) converts poorly
- Diets high in omega-6 oils (mild dilution)
- Some genetic variants in fatty-acid metabolism
Ordered from most to least common.
Symptoms that can go with it
- None directly
- Dry skin and eyes, joint stiffness are sometimes attributed to low intake
What clinicians usually check next
- Two to three servings of oily fish weekly, or 1–2 g/day EPA+DHA; retest in 4 months
- Lipids, ApoB, hs-CRP for the broader cardiovascular picture
- Prescription EPA (icosapent ethyl) is a clinician decision for people with high triglycerides and cardiovascular risk
Follow-up tests at TestWell: Heart & Body Inflammation Test (hs-CRP) ($34.99), C-Reactive Protein (CRP) ($26.99).
What Omega-3 Index should I aim for?
8–12% is the range associated with the lowest cardiovascular risk. Getting from 4% to 8% typically takes about 1–2 g/day of EPA+DHA for three to four months.
Does flaxseed raise the Omega-3 Index?
Barely — the body converts only a few percent of plant ALA to EPA and almost none to DHA. Algae-based DHA/EPA supplements work for people who don't eat fish.
Educational only — not a diagnosis. A single result outside the range is a prompt to look closer with a clinician.
How do you get a Omega-3 Index test?
Order online, a licensed physician reviews the requisition, and you walk into a nearby lab for the draw. Omega-3 Index is available on its own or inside these panels — panels cost less per marker when you want the fuller picture.
| Option | Includes | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Omega-3 Index | This marker only | $69.99 |
| Longevity & Anti-Aging Panel | 13 tests | $239.99 |
| Healthy Aging Panel | 15 tests | $299.99 |
| Total Body Panel | 49 tests | $599.99 |
| Men's Superpowers Panel | 36 tests | $649.99 |
Quest vs. Labcorp for Omega-3 Index: which lab should you pick?
Both are CLIA-certified national labs and the result is clinically equivalent, so pick whichever location is closer. Your report will print that lab's own reference range, which can differ slightly from the table above.
| Lab | Available | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Quest Diagnostics | Yes | $69.99 |
| Labcorp | Yes | $109.99 |
| BioReference (NY & NJ) | No | — |
Need help choosing a location? Use the lab finder to see draw sites near your ZIP.
Related Heart Health biomarkers
Markers commonly tested alongside Omega-3 Index.
Frequently asked
What does a low Omega-3 Index mean?
The Omega-3 Index is the share of EPA and DHA in red-cell membranes — a three-month average of intake. Below 4% is associated with the highest cardiovascular risk in observational studies, 8% or above with the lowest; most Americans sit around 4–5%. It rises with fatty fish two to three times a week or EPA/DHA supplements, and takes three to four months to reflect a change.
What Omega-3 Index should I aim for?
8–12% is the range associated with the lowest cardiovascular risk. Getting from 4% to 8% typically takes about 1–2 g/day of EPA+DHA for three to four months.
Does flaxseed raise the Omega-3 Index?
Barely — the body converts only a few percent of plant ALA to EPA and almost none to DHA. Algae-based DHA/EPA supplements work for people who don't eat fish.
Do I need a doctor's order to test my omega-3 index?
No. TestWell's licensed physician network reviews and approves your order — usually within minutes. You can place an order online without an in-person visit or a referral from your own doctor.
How long does it take to get Omega-3 Index results?
Most Omega-3 Index results are available in 1–3 business days after your specimen arrives at the lab. You'll get an email the moment your results are ready, with everything viewable in your TestWell portal.
How much does a Omega-3 Index test cost?
Our Omega-3 Index starts at $69.99. That's the all-in price — no copays, no insurance hoops, no surprise bills. HSA and FSA cards are accepted.
Do I need to fast before my Omega-3 Index test?
Fasting is not required for the Omega-3 Index test. You can have your blood drawn any time of day.
Which lab will process my Omega-3 Index test?
Your test will be processed by Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp, or BioReference depending on which is closest to you and which lab carries the test. All three are CLIA-certified and trusted by hospitals nationwide. You'll choose your lab during checkout from 4,000+ locations.
Ready to test your omega-3 index?
Order in two minutes, get physician-approved, and visit a lab the same day. Starts at $69.99.