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All CollectionsLab Test InstructionsGenova Diagnostics
ASP with CAR
ASP with CAR
Updated over 3 months ago

Test Details

Lab Company: Genova Diagnostics
​ Sample Type: Saliva
​ Collection Location: At Home

The Adrenocortex Stress Profile (ASP) with Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR) measures hormones involved in a patient's natural circadian rhythm to evaluate stress and resiliency of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. These instructions are for the ASP with CAR test. Instructions for the ASP-only test can be found here.

Key Details

  • Sample collection is strictly timed.

  • All samples must be collected on the same day.

  • If you are taking certain medications (see list below), please consult your healthcare provider prior to collecting your samples.

  • For 1 hour prior to each collection, do not eat or drink anything.

  • Samples should be frozen for a minimum of 2 hours prior to shipping.

  • Ship samples via FedEx as soon as possible after collection.

  • Rupa Health recommends shipping Monday - Thursday only to avoid shipment delays.

Preparation & Timing

  • Sample collection must follow the collection schedule exactly.

    • Consider waking at 6 am on the day of collection.

  • If you are taking the following medications, please consult your healthcare provider prior to the test:

    • Ketoconazole

    • Clomiphene

    • Phenytoin

    • Steroids

    • DHEA supplementation.

    • Do not change or discontinue medications unless instructed by your healthcare provider.

  • For 1 hour prior to EACH collection, do not

    • Eat

    • Drink anything except water

    • Apply lip balm and lipstick

      • Please remove any lip balm or lipstick you may be wearing.

  • If you have difficulty producing enough saliva during the test, try these methods to quickly produce saliva:

    • Rinse your mouth with water and spit out completely.

    • Press the tip of your tongue to the roof of your mouth against your teeth.

    • Think of sour foods.

    • Yawn.

Collection Instructions

Collection Schedule

Collection Number

Time

Tube Color

Example

1

Immediately upon waking

BLUE

wake at 6:10 am; collect 6:10 am - 6:15 am

2

30 min after finishing collection 1

BLUE

collect 6:45 am - 6:50 am

3

Between 7:00 am and 9:00 am

WHITE

collect 8:00 am - 8:05 am

4

Between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm

WHITE

collect 11:30 am - 11:35 am

5

Between 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm

WHITE

collect 4:00 pm - 4:05 pm

6

Between 10:00 pm and 12:00 am

WHITE

collect 10:15 pm - 10:20 pm

Collection Instructions

  1. FOR EACH COLLECTION, fill the correct tube (see schedule above) with saliva to the designated level.

    1. You should finish the collection within 5 minutes of starting.

    2. Your sample should not contain bubbles or mucus.

  2. Replace the cap tightly.

  3. Write the following information on a label. Attach the label to the collection tube.

    1. 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.

    2. Date of birth

    3. The time you started the collection

    4. The time you stopped the collection

  4. Freeze the tube immediately.

    1. Samples should be frozen a minimum of 2 hours prior to shipping.

    2. Keep samples frozen until ready to ship.

  5. Repeat steps 1-4 for each of the six collections.

  6. Complete the test registration (instructions HERE).

    1. 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.
      ​

  7. When you are ready to ship the samples, place the frozen samples in the biohazard bag.

  8. Place the biohazard bag into the clamshell container.

  9. Place the clamshell container 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 fill out 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

  • Samples should be frozen for at least 2 hours prior to shipping.

  • Ship samples as soon as possible.

  • Rupa Health recommends shipping Monday - Thursday only to avoid shipment delays.

  • To prepare your samples for shipping,

    • Place the collection tubes in the biohazard bag.

    • Place the biohazard bag into the clamshell container.

    • Place the clamshell container into the provided, prepaid mailing envelope.

    • Place the completed activation card into the provided, prepaid mailing envelope

  • Make a note of the tracking number 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 schedule a pickup by calling FedEx at 1-800-463-3339 or visiting www.fedex.com.

Results

  • Results should be released to your provider 7-21 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

Questions?

For general questions, email Rupa Health at [email protected]. For test-specific questions, contact Genova Diagnostics by calling 1-800-522-4762 or chatting with support.

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