Test Details
Lab Company: Genova Diagnostics
Sample Type: Saliva
Collection Location: At Home
The Rhythm Plus™ test provides a comprehensive salivary assessment of estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone that spans a full 28 days.
Key Details
You must take this test on specific days of your menstrual cycle.
If you have recently taken or are taking certain medications (see list below), consult your healthcare provider prior to testing.
Rupa Health recommends shipping your samples Monday - Thursday only to avoid shipment delays.
Preparation & Timing
You must take this test on specific days of your menstrual cycle.
Your first sample will be collected on Day 3 of your cycle.
Day 1 is the day your period begins.
If you no longer have a period, you may start the collection on any day.
If you have taken any of the following medications in the last 12 months, consult your healthcare provider before taking this test. These medications may produce artificially high results.
Transdermal (cream) hormones
Sublingual hormones
If you have taken any of the following drugs, herbs, or supplements in the last 3 months, consult your healthcare provider prior to taking this test. These medications may affect results.
Melatonin (dosages >5 mg)
Ketoconazole
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Anastrozole (Arimidex)
Letrozole (Femara)
Exemestane (Aromasin)
Chrysin
Apigenin
Tribulus terrestris
Clomiphene
Antiepileptics
Digoxin
Oral steroids (e.g. Prednisone)
Cortisone cream
Any steroid-based nasal sprays, inhalers, or eye drops
Avoid the following activities for 1 hour prior to each collection:
Eating
Drinking anything except water
Brushing your teeth
Flossing your teeth
Using mouthwash
Chewing gum
Using tobacco products
Consider waking at 6 am on the last day of collection.
Collection Instructions
Collection Schedule
You will collect samples over 12 days of your menstrual cycle. Remember, Day 1 is the day your period begins.
Collection Number | Cycle Day | Collection Time |
1 | Day 3 | Between 7:00 am and 9:00 am |
2 | Day 5 | Between 7:00 am and 9:00 am |
3 | Day 8 | Between 7:00 am and 9:00 am |
4 | Day 11 | Between 7:00 am and 9:00 am |
5 | Day 12 | Between 7:00 am and 9:00 am |
6 | Day 14 | Between 7:00 am and 9:00 am |
7 | Day 16 | Between 7:00 am and 9:00 am |
8 | Day 18 | Between 7:00 am and 9:00 am |
9 | Day 20 | Between 7:00 am and 9:00 am |
10 | Day 23 | Between 7:00 am and 9:00 am |
11 | Day 28 | Between 7:00 am and 9:00 am |
12 | Day 29 |
Day 29 Schedule
Collection Number | Collection Time | Tube Color |
CAR add-on | BLUE | |
1 | Between 7:00 am and 9:00 am | WHITE |
2 | Between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm | WHITE |
3 | Between 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm | WHITE |
4 | Between 10:00 pm and 12:00 am | WHITE |
5 | Between 2:30 am and 3:30 am | WHITE |
Collection Instructions
The night before collection, place the following items by your bed.
Collection tube
Glass of water
Low-level light
Upon waking, DO NOT turn on a bright light until you have completed the 7:00 am - 9:00 am collection.
Fill the collection tube with saliva until you reach the 3-ml mark.
You should finish the collection within 5 minutes of starting.
Your sample should not contain bubbles or mucus.
Replace the cap tightly.
Write the following information on the appropriate label (ie: label 1 for collection 1). Attach the label to the collection tube.
Your first and last name - Please ensure that the name on the label matches the name on your Rupa order EXACTLY. If it does not match, you may need to recollect your samples.
Your date of birth
The time you started the collection
The time you finished the collection
Date of collection
Place the tube into the biohazard bag.
Freeze the tube (in the bag) immediately.
Samples should be frozen a minimum of 2 hours prior to shipping.
Keep samples frozen until ready to ship.
Repeat steps 1-7 for each collection (schedule HERE).
Complete the test registration (instructions HERE).
Please ensure that the name on the registration matches the name on your Rupa order EXACTLY. If it does not match, you may need to recollect your samples.
When you are ready to ship the samples, place the frozen samples into the biohazard bag.
Place the biohazard bag into the test kit box.
Place the test kit box and completed activation card into the provided, prepaid mailing envelope.
Requisition & Payment
Your kit has been prepaid. You DO NOT need to pay anything extra.
Instructions on how to complete your test registration can be found HERE.
Since you pre-paid for your tests, you do not need to fill in the payment information on this form.
Shipping
Ship your samples as soon as possible after the final collection.
Rupa Health recommends shipping Monday - Thursday only to avoid shipment delays.
To prepare your samples for shipping,
Place the frozen sample tubes into the biohazard bag.
Place the biohazard bag into the test kit box.
Place the completed activation card into the test kit box.
Place the test kit box into the provided return mailer.
Make a note of the tracking number on the label so that you can track your samples back to the lab.
Ship your samples via FedEx.
You can take your samples to the nearest FedEx location.
DO NOT place your samples in a drop box.
You can also schedule a FedEx pickup by calling 1-800-463-3339 or visiting their website www.fedex.com.
Results
Results should be released to your provider 7-21 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.
More Resources
Test Information
Collection Instructions
Other Information
Questions?
For general questions, email Rupa Health at [email protected]. For test-specific questions, contact Genova Diagnostics by calling 800-522-4762 or chatting with support.