Copyright Kalispell Inter Lake
After months of joint pain and declining health, Eric Gardner’s father sought out allergy testing, looking for a solution to his health issues. He went to an Any Lab Test Now in Utah, and the results came back in a matter of days, showing he was allergic to red meat and sensitive to dairy. He completely adjusted his diet and a few weeks later he was a “new man,” Gardner says of his dad. “He ended up taking his health into his own hands,” Gardner said. “That’s where the seed about Any Lab Test Now was planted.” Gardner opened the state's first Any Lab Test Now franchise this fall, offering over 8,000 different lab tests to the public, ranging from general health testing to paternity tests. The business also offers B12 shots. The franchise, which provides direct-access lab testing services, has over 230 locations across the United States. Born and raised in Kalispell, Gardner graduated from Flathead High School in 2020. He moved to St. George, Utah, after graduation to attend college, studying business management and entrepreneurship. After two semesters, Gardner served on a Spanish-speaking mission with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Dallas for two years before returning to St. George in 2023. He completed one more semester of school but wanted a hands-on opportunity to learn about the business world. He got a sales job in cybersecurity before moving back to the Flathead Valley in April 2024. He worked as a construction contractor and rented out captained surf charters on Flathead Lake. Gardner grew up the son of a nurse and a businessman. Franchising Any Lab Test Now is a blend of the two worlds he’s passionate about, he said. He began conversations with Any Lab Test Now in January of this year, traveling to and from Atlanta, Georgia — where the company is based — for training. The business opened in September. The best thing about the business model, Gardner says, is that it lets people take their health into their own hands at an affordable cost. “It’s direct access. There's no doctor’s order required,” he said. “And we’re transparent with our pricing. You’re not going to receive a bill in the mail for an extreme amount of money, which is often the case we see nowadays.” There are over 8,000 tests offered at Any Lab Test Now, including liver and kidney tests, blood counts, allergy and sensitivity tests, drug testing, cancer screening and hormone testing. Over 20 labs across the country are used to obtain results, which usually come back in two to five business days. There are three staff phlebotomists, bringing combined decades of experience in lab testing to the Kalispell location. Most tests are blood tests, but there are some that require urine or saliva. Groups of tests are also offered at a discounted price. Routine lab testing is a great way to monitor one’s health, Gardner said. A routine annual checkup panel, for example, consists of five tests that are typically ordered by a health care provider during an annual physical examination. The routine panel at Any Lab Test Now includes a complete blood count test, a comprehensive metabolic panel, a lipid panel, a hemoglobin A1c test and a thyroid stimulating hormone test for $129. The more tests someone buys, Gardner said, the more they know about their health. “It’s been amazing. People are loving it, they’re happy we’re here,” Gardner said. “I want to be an asset to the community, for people to know they can get tested anytime.” While Any Lab Test Now does take appointments, walk-ins are offered that typically take 10 to 15 minutes. Insurance is not accepted, but Gardner says that is positively reflected in the prices of the testing. During the grand opening on Nov. 10, the store is offering 10% off all tests and B12 shots are $5. There will be other giveaways, discounts and a food truck present with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 4:30 p.m. Any Lab Test Now is open on Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon. It is located at 1035 U.S. 2 in Kalispell.
