I recently took the plunge and tested my blood for microplastics using Bryan Johnson’s Blueprint test. The results came back: 17 particles detected, all under 10 microns in size. My initial reaction? Skepticism about what this actually means.
After digging deep into the science, I’ve concluded that PFAS testing is genuinely actionable while microplastics testing is mostly an expensive data point—at least for now. Here’s what I learned, and how you can get tested yourself for less.
My Blueprint Microplastics Results: The Hard Truth
My Test Results (January 8, 2025)
| Total Particles | 17 |
| Size Distribution | 100% under 10µm (smallest, most concerning size) |
| Concentration | 170 particles/ml |
| Population Percentile | Better than 44%, worse than 26% |
What This Actually Tells Me
Virtually nothing actionable. Here’s why:
- No clinical thresholds exist. Unlike PFAS, where ≥20 ng/mL triggers follow-up care, there’s no established “safe” or “dangerous” level of microplastics.
- No polymer identification. The test doesn’t tell me what kind of plastic. Without knowing the type, I can’t identify my exposure source.
- Self-selected comparison population. I’m being compared to people who paid $199 for a Bryan Johnson longevity test—biohackers, not a representative sample.
- High day-to-day variability. Blood microplastics fluctuate based on recent meals, environment, and hydration.
The Honest Assessment
I paid $199 for a number without clinical meaning, compared to an irrelevant population, with no actionable source identification. It’s a curiosity purchase, not a health optimization tool.
The Science: What’s Actually Proven to Harm Humans
PFAS (“Forever Chemicals”) — Strong Evidence Base
The National Academies of Sciences established strength-of-evidence classifications in 2022:
| Evidence Level | Health Effects |
|---|---|
| SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE | Decreased vaccine response • Increased cholesterol • Low birth weight • Kidney cancer (WHO classifies PFOA as carcinogenic) |
| LIMITED/SUGGESTIVE | Testicular cancer • Breast cancer • Thyroid disease • Liver damage • Pregnancy-induced hypertension |
Key stat: 98% of Americans have measurable PFAS in their blood.
Microplastics — Emerging But Less Certain
The landmark March 2024 New England Journal of Medicine study found that patients with microplastics in their carotid artery plaque had a 4.5x higher risk of heart attack, stroke, or death over 34 months.
A May 2024 study found microplastics in 100% of human testicles tested—concentrations were 3x higher than in dogs.
Evidence status: Sperm quality reduction, gut immunosuppression, and cardiovascular events are “suspected” based on high-quality evidence. Everything else is emerging.
Why PFAS Testing Is Actionable (And Microplastics Isn’t)
| Factor | PFAS Testing | Microplastics Testing |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical thresholds | Yes (≥20 ng/mL triggers follow-up) | None established |
| Compounds identified | Yes (9 individual PFAS types) | No polymer identification |
| CDC/NASEM guidance | Yes, clinical recommendations | None |
| Source correlation | Known sources identifiable | Unknown from test |
Bottom line: If you’re going to test for one thing, make it PFAS.
How to Get PFAS Testing (And Save Money)
Option 1: Quest Diagnostics Direct-to-Consumer
Price: $306-350
What you get: 9 PFAS panel, CLIA-certified, physician consult included, 2,100+ locations
Link: questhealth.com/product/pfas-forever-chemicals-test-panel
💰 How to Save on Quest PFAS Testing
- 10% off first purchase: Sign up for Quest newsletter at questhealth.com/promotions-and-offers.html
- 10% off with ID verification: Military, first responders, nurses, teachers—verify through ID.me or BeansiD
- 10% student discount: Through ID.me or Student Beans
- Seasonal sales: Quest runs 15-25% off select tests during health awareness months and holidays
- Try code BRIDGET: Has reportedly worked for up to 40% off (YMMV)
Option 2: Through Your Doctor (Potentially Cheaper)
Ask your physician to order the test using:
- ICD-10 code: Z13.88
- Quest Test Code: 39307
- CPT Code: 82542
Option 3: NMS Labs (More Comprehensive)
Price: $400-600
What you get: Up to 40 PFAS compounds
Best for: Occupational exposure, legal cases
Link: nmslabs.com
What Elevated PFAS Results Mean
If your total PFAS level is ≥20 ng/mL, NASEM recommends:
- Thyroid function testing
- Assessment for signs of kidney and testicular cancer
- Cholesterol monitoring
- Discussion with physician about reducing exposure sources
The ImpactSoul Connection
This isn’t just a personal health issue—it’s a systemic failure of extractive capitalism that ImpactSoul’s Asset-Backed Impact Tokens (ABITs) are designed to address.
PFAS contamination costs $22 billion annually in U.S. healthcare expenses. ABITs that tokenize regenerative agriculture, clean water sources, and sustainable consumer goods create measurable health ROI beyond financial returns.
My Recommendation
- Skip microplastics testing for now. The science isn’t mature enough. Save your $199.
- Get PFAS tested if you have risk factors: live near military bases/airports, drink untested well water, work as firefighter, or use lots of non-stick cookware.
- Use Quest with discounts for the best value.
- Focus on reduction regardless: Reverse osmosis filter, glass food containers, avoid non-stick cookware, reduce fast food.
SPECIAL TIP. Get Oasis Health App here: This overviews how much each water supply from bottles to municipalities have impurities and YES your favorite most expensive water is probably one of the worst of the bunch for your health.
What It Does
Starting with water, filters, and air purifiers, Oasis helps you find the healthiest products through independent lab testing and transparent data. App Store The app has expanded to cover:
- Bottled water brands (contaminant testing, PFAS detection)
- Water filters (effectiveness ratings)
- Tap water (by location)
- Air purifiers
- Supplements, food, and more
PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a class of chemicals that are very common in water sources across the United States and are highly toxic. No amounts of PFAS are recommended for consumption. This is an added penalty in addition to the one it receives in the contaminant scoring. Oasis
Questions?
Reach me at t@impactsoul.is
Or visit impactsoul.is to learn more about investing in assets that reduce chemical body burden.
