Metabolic Panel Plus
Updated over a week ago

Test Details

Lab Company: DHA Laboratory
​Sample Type: Blood, Urine
​Collection Location: In Lab (Phlebotomy Required), At Home

The Metabolic Panel Plus assesses the levels of nutrients critical to brain health and for calculating free copper/oxidative stress.


Key Details

  • 🩸 Blood collection must be performed by a phlebotomist, Monday - Friday only.

  • πŸ₯ Your blood draw will be performed at Labcorp. Rupa Health recommends making an appointment for your blood draw.

  • ❌ You will not receive a test kit for your blood draw.

  • πŸ“„ Your blood draw requisition form will be emailed to you. Print the requisition form before going to your blood draw.

  • πŸ’Š You must avoid certain medications & supplements before each sample collection.

  • ❄️ Freeze your urine sample before shipping.

  • 🚚 You must ship your urine sample via FedEx Monday - Wednesday ONLY.

  • 🏝️ NOTE: If you are located in Hawaii, you must send your samples back on dry ice.


Preparation & Timing

  • Avoid supplements containing vitamins and minerals for at least 12 hours before each sample collection.

    • DO NOT avoid supplements for more than 24 hours.

  • DO NOT discontinue any prescription medications without consulting your healthcare provider.

Blood Collection

  • Sample collection must be performed by a phlebotomist, Monday - Friday only.

    • Resources for scheduling and preparing for your blood draw can be found HERE.

Your blood draw will be performed at Labcorp. DHA Laboratory will send you details on the Labcorp clinics closest to your location.

  • Information about DHA Laboratory blood draws can be found HERE.

  • Rupa Health recommends making an appointment for your blood draw. An appointment is not required.

  • You must print your test requisition from the email sent to you from info@dhalab.com. The email will be titled "Blood Draw Documents for [Your Initials] (IMPORTANT)."

  • Avoid taking antihistamines for 21 days before sample collection.

    • DO NOT discontinue prescription medications without consulting your healthcare provider.

  • It is recommended, but not required, to fast for 12 hours before collection.

Urine Collection

  • Avoid antibiotics for 5 days before sample collection.

  • DO NOT collect your first morning urination.


Collection Instructions

Blood Collection

  1. Read this article to prepare for your blood draw.

  2. Make an appointment at Labcorp.

    1. DHA Laboratory will send you details on the Labcorp clinics closest to your location.

    2. Read more about the DHA Laboratory phlebotomy process HERE.

  3. Print your test requisition form.

    1. DHA Laboratory will email you this form.

    2. The email will be titled "Blood Draw Documents for [Your Initials] (IMPORTANT)." It will come from info@dhalab.com.

  4. Bring the following items with you to your blood draw appointment.

    1. Test requisition form

  5. The phlebotomist will collect, prepare, and ship your sample for you.

    1. NOTE: If the phlebotomist does not have royal blue tubes, they may use the following:

      1. For Copper, Serum: Red-top non-serum separator tube

      2. For Zinc, Plasma: Lavender-top EDTA tube

NOTE: If you are in Hawaii, you must ship your samples on dry ice. Please consult with your blood draw location to determine if they supply dry ice or if you need to purchase your own. You can find dry ice at many grocery and convenience stores. Contact DHA Laboratory at (847) 222-9546 or support@dhalab.com if you have questions.

Urine Collection

  1. Complete the urine test requisition form.

  2. Place one of the unfrozen ice packs into the bottom of the styrofoam container.

  3. Place the styrofoam container into the freezer.

    1. Keep the lid off the container.

  4. Write your full name on the two sample tubes.

  5. Urinate into the paper collection cup.

    1. DO NOT collect your first morning urination.

  6. Pour urine into the small sample tube.

    1. Fill the tube up to the black line.

  7. Screw the lid on the tube tightly.

  8. Pour urine into the large sample tube.

    1. Use the same urine for both tubes.

    2. Fill the tube up to the black line.

  9. Screw the lid on the tube tightly.

  10. Shake the large sample tube until the powder has dissolved.

  11. Place the two sample tubes into the biohazard bag.

  12. Place the biohazard bag into the freezer.

  13. Once the samples and ice pack are frozen, place the biohazard bag on top of the ice pack in the styrofoam container.

  14. Gently press the other unfrozen ice pack on top of the biohazard bag.

    1. This will help it conform to the sample tubes and better fit in the package.

  15. Place the styrofoam container back into the freezer.

    1. Keep the lid off the container.

  16. Ensure the samples and ice packs are completely frozen before you ship your sample.

NOTE: If you are in Hawaii, you must ship your samples on dry ice. You can find dry ice at many grocery and convenience stores. Contact DHA Laboratory at (847) 222-9546 or support@dhalab.com if you have questions.


Requisition & Payment

  • Your kit has been prepaid. You DO NOT need to pay anything extra. You DO NOT need to pay a separate fee for phlebotomy.

  • You must complete your requisition form and send it back with your samples.


Shipping

  • NOTE: If you are in Hawaii, you must ship your samples on dry ice. Please consult with your blood draw location to determine if they supply dry ice or if you need to purchase your own. You can find dry ice at many grocery and convenience stores. Contact DHA Laboratory at (847) 222-9546 or support@dhalab.com if you have questions.

The phlebotomist will ship your blood samples to the lab for you. You must ship your urine samples yourself.

  • Ship your urine samples Monday - Wednesday ONLY.

    • Your urine sample must arrive at the lab within 21 days of collection.

  • To prepare your urine samples for shipping,

    • Ensure the samples and ice packs are completely frozen.

    • Remove the styrofoam container from the freezer.

    • Place the lid on the styrofoam container tightly.

    • Secure the styrofoam container with the provided rubber band.

    • Place the completed test requisition form under the rubber band on the styrofoam container.

    • Place the styrofoam container into the cardboard box.

    • Close the box.

    • Place the cardboard box into the FedEx Clinical Pak.

    • Seal the FedEx Clinical Pak.

  • Make a note of the tracking number on the return label so that you can track your urine samples back to the lab.

  • Ship your urine samples via FedEx.

    • Drop your package at the closest FedEx location.

    • Rupa Health recommends NOT placing your sample in a FedEx drop box.


Results

  • Results should be released to your provider 7 business days after samples are received at the lab. Rupa Health cannot guarantee processing time.


More Resources


Questions?

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