What is a good Omega-3 Index?

An Omega-3 Index above 8% is considered cardioprotective and is associated with the lowest risk of sudden cardiac death and cardiovascular events. Most Americans are between 4-5%. Populations with high fish intake (Japan, Scandinavia) often have indices above 8%.

How can I raise my Omega-3 Index?

Eat fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines, anchovies) 2-3 times per week, or take a quality fish oil supplement providing at least 1000-2000mg of combined EPA+DHA daily. Algae-based supplements work for vegetarians. Reducing omega-6 intake (vegetable oils, processed foods) also helps improve your ratio.

Why test cell membranes instead of blood plasma?

Blood plasma omega-3 levels fluctuate based on recent meals. Cell membrane levels (what this test measures) reflect your average intake over 2-3 months, providing a much more accurate picture of your true omega-3 status.

How long until fish oil supplements show up in this test?

Red blood cell turnover takes about 120 days. You will see meaningful changes after 3-4 months of consistent supplementation. This is why the test is useful for verifying whether your supplement regimen is actually working.

Is the AA/EPA ratio more important than the Omega-3 Index?

Both are valuable. The Omega-3 Index is the best-validated cardiovascular marker. The AA/EPA ratio provides additional insight into your inflammatory balance. Ideally, optimize both - Omega-3 Index above 8% and AA/EPA ratio below 5.

Back to Tests

🔬 Inflammation

OmegaCheck - Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acid Test

OmegaCheck

Measures your omega-3 levels (EPA, DHA) and their ratio to inflammatory omega-6. Your Omega-3 Index is one of the best predictors of cardiovascular health.

The OmegaCheck test provides a comprehensive assessment of your essential fatty acid status, measuring both omega-3 and omega-6 levels in red blood cell membranes.

Unlike blood tests that reflect recent meals, this test measures fatty acids stored in cell membranes, reflecting your average intake over the past 2-3 months.

The Omega-3 Index (EPA + DHA as a percentage of total fatty acids) is increasingly recognized as an important cardiovascular risk marker. Studies show that an Omega-3 Index above 8% is associated with significantly lower risk of sudden cardiac death.

The test also measures your AA/EPA ratio - the balance between inflammatory arachidonic acid (omega-6) and anti-inflammatory EPA (omega-3). Western diets typically have too much omega-6 relative to omega-3.

Price

$43

All-in

$61

incl. $18 lab & physician fee

Results

5-7 business days

Fasting

Not Required

What's Measured

Total Omega-3

Total Omega-6

EPA

DHA

AA/EPA Ratio

Arachidonic Acid

DPA

Omega-6/Omega-3 Ratio

What This Test Measures

This test measures four key markers:

Omega-3 Index (EPA + DHA percentage):
- High risk: <4%
- Intermediate: 4-8%
- Optimal (cardioprotective): >8%
EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid): Anti-inflammatory omega-3
DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid): Critical for brain and eye health
AA/EPA Ratio: Inflammation balance
- Optimal: <5
- Moderate inflammation: 5-15
- High inflammation: >15

Who Should Consider This Test

Anyone concerned about cardiovascular health, inflammation, or brain function. Particularly valuable for people with heart disease risk factors, those taking fish oil supplements who want to verify effectiveness, anyone with inflammatory conditions (arthritis, autoimmune disease), vegetarians/vegans who may have low omega-3 intake, and people with depression, anxiety, or cognitive concerns.

Health Insights

Conditions Screened

Cardiovascular disease riskOmega-3 deficiencyInflammatory state assessmentEssential fatty acid imbalance

Related Symptoms

Chronic inflammationJoint painDry skin or eyesBrain fogMood issuesCardiovascular concernsFatigue

When to Get Tested

No fasting required. Since this test measures fatty acids in cell membranes (accumulated over months), a single meal will not affect results. For monitoring supplement effectiveness, retest after 3-4 months of consistent supplementation.

No fasting needed. How to prepare for your blood test →

Understanding Your Results

Omega-3 Index interpretation:

Below 4%: High cardiovascular risk - significant improvement needed
4-8%: Intermediate risk - room for improvement
Above 8%: Cardioprotective range - associated with lowest cardiac risk

AA/EPA Ratio:

Below 5: Excellent - low inflammatory state
5-15: Moderate - typical Western diet range
Above 15: High inflammatory state - increase omega-3, reduce omega-6

Most Americans have an Omega-3 Index around 4-5%, well below optimal. Increasing fatty fish intake or supplementing with quality fish oil typically raises levels significantly within 3-4 months.

What to Expect

After placing your order, we send it straight to Quest Diagnostics — there is no consent form to sign and no partner email to wait for. Your requisition is usually ready to download from your dashboard within about an hour, and you can book your blood draw at any Quest Diagnostics location.

The blood draw typically takes just a few minutes. Results are usually available within 5-7 business days and will appear in your secure JustLabs dashboard.

Our results include reference ranges and easy-to-understand indicators showing whether your values are within normal limits.

How much does the OmegaCheck test cost?

The OmegaCheck test costs $43 at JustLabs — $61 all-in, since the $18 lab & physician order fee is charged once per order, however many tests you add. The price is fixed before your blood draw; no insurance or doctor visit needed.