Comprehensive Toxic & Essential Elements Profile

Preparation & Timing

• Do not collect while menstruating.
• If you recently had an MRI with gadolinium contrast, wait at least 96 hours before collecting your samples.
• If you take iodine or selenium supplements (such as Iodoral or a multi-vitamin) daily, continue to take them as normal during the testing period. 
• Avoid the following foods and supplements for 24 hours prior to and on the day of your collection.
  • Seafood
  • Seaweed/kelp
  • Dairy products
  • Brazil nuts
  • Any other food high in iodine
  • Any other food high in selenium
  • Any iodine or selenium supplements taken periodically (not daily)
• Do not drink more than 8 oz of water in the hour prior to each urine collection. 
• You will collect both urine and blood spot samples. Your first sample will be collected immediately upon waking. 

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Collection Schedule

1. COLLECTION 1 - URINE: Immediately upon waking.
2. COLLECTION 2 - BLOOD SPOT: Within 1 hour of waking. 
3. COLLECTION 3 - URINE: Before bed

Urine Collection

1. You will collect two urine samples. See schedule above.
2. For each collection, write your name and the date and time of collection on a collection card.
3. Open the cover on the collection card by folding it back, away from the filter paper. 
   1. Do NOT touch the filter paper.
4. Collect your urine in a clean cup.
5. Dip the filter paper in the urine up to the top black dash line.
   1. Make sure the paper is fully saturated.
6. *NOTE* You can also saturate the filter paper by urinating directly onto it.
7. Hang or tape the collection card in a secure place to dry.
   1. Do NOT let anything touch the filter paper.
8. Let the card dry for at least 6 hours.
9. Repeat steps 2-8 for the second collection.
   1. Collection 2 will be done before bed.
10. Once the cards are completely dry, refold them.
11. Place the cards into the baggie.
12. Seal the baggie.
13. Place the baggie and the completed test requisition form back into the test kit box.

Blood Spot Collection

1. Collect your sample within 1 hour of waking.
2. Wash your hands with soap and warm water. 
3. Dry with a clean towel.
4. Move/swing your arm and rub your hands together to increase circulation.
5. Write your name, date, and time of collection on the collection card.
6. Fold the collection card cover away from the filter paper (which has circles for blood collection). 
   1. Do NOT touch the filter paper.
7. Tape the card to a low surface (such as a table) with the filter paper facing out. 
8. Open the sterile gauze and alcohol pad. 
9. Use the alcohol pad to wipe the fingertip you will use for collection.
   1. It is best to use the ring or middle finger on your non-dominant hand.
10. Remove the lancet’s cap and press the tip against the inside tip of your finger.
11. Press the tip firmly against your finger until it activates (it should click).
12. Wipe away the first drop of blood with the sterile gauze.
13. Position your finger above the collection card. 
14. Gently milk blood from your finger (lightly stroke your finger down to the tip). 
    1. Do NOT over-squeeze your finger.
15. Touch the tip of the drop to the filter paper. 
    1. Do NOT touch the paper with your finger.
16. Place one drop per circle. 
    1. Each drop should fill at least ¾ of the circle.
    2. Each drop should saturate the filter paper to the other side.
    3. 
17. Collect blood until all circles are filled.
    
    1. If blood stops flowing before you are finished, firmly wipe the finger with the gauze to get the blood flowing again.
    2. You can use the second lancet and another finger, if necessary.
18. Bandage your finger.
19. Leave the card open to dry for at least 30 minutes.
    1. Keep the card in a cool, dry location away from sunlight.
20. Once the card is dry, fold the cover over the blood spots. 
21. Place the card in the test kit box.

Requisition & Payment

• Your kit has been prepaid. You DO NOT need to pay anything extra.
• Instructions on how to fill out your requisition can be found HERE.
  • Since you pre-paid for your tests, you do not need to fill in the payment information on any of these forms.

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Shipping

• To prepare your samples for shipping,
  
  • Place the COMPLETELY DRY, folded urine sample cards into the baggie and seal.
  • Place the baggie into the test kit box.
  • Place the COMPLETELY DRY, folded blood spot card into the test kit box.
  • Place the completed test requisition form into the test kit box.
  • Place the test kit box into the provided envelope.
  • Attach the provided, prepaid label.
• Make a note of the tracking number so that you can track your samples back to the lab. 

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Results

• Results should be released to your provider 3-5 business days after samples are received at the lab. We cannot guarantee processing time. 
• Your provider will notify you when your results are in and schedule a follow-up appointment for you to review them together. 

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More Resources

• Toxic & Essential Elements Info Page
• ZRT Patient Info Page
• [PDF] How to Collect Your Sample
• [VIDEO] How to Collect Your Urine Sample

• [VIDEO] How to Collect Your Blood Spot Sample

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Questions?

For general questions, email Rupa Health at support@rupahealth.com. For test-specific questions, contact ZRT by calling 866-600-1636 or emailing customer support at info@zrtlab.com.