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All CollectionsLab Test InstructionsZRT Laboratory
ZRT Blood Spot Tests
ZRT Blood Spot Tests
Updated over a year ago

Test Details

Lab Company: ZRT
​ Sample Type: Blood Spot
​ Collection Location: At Home

ZRT's blood spot panels can include any combination of biomarkers chosen by your practitioner.

Key Details

  • If you are a man, child, or non-menstruating woman, you can collect your sample at any time.

  • If you are a menstruating woman, you may need to collect your sample on specific days of your cycle.

  • If you are currently using hormones, supplements, or vitamins, you may need to time your test properly.

  • Avoid anti-aging/anti-wrinkle face creams for 3 days prior to collection.

  • Collect your sample within an hour of waking.

  • Ship samples back to the lab in the provided, prepaid envelope as soon as possible.

Preparation & Timing

  • If you are a man, child, or non-menstruating woman, you can collect your sample at any time.

  • If you are a menstruating woman,

    • If your test panel includes estradiol (E2), progesterone, or testosterone,

    • If your test panel includes FSH for fertility,

      • Collect on Day 3 of your menstrual cycle.

    • If your test panel does not include FSH, estradiol, progesterone, or testosterone, you can collect your sample at any time.

  • If you are taking topical, oral, sublingual, or troche hormones,

  • If you are taking hormone patches, vaginal rings, hormone pellets, or hormone injectables, test halfway between doses.

    • For example, 3 days after a once-a-week patch.

  • If you are taking steroids, talk to your healthcare practitioner about proper timing.

  • 3 days prior to your test,

    • Avoid anti-aging/anti-wrinkle face creams.

    • Avoid taking 7-Keto DHEA.

  • Collect your sample within an hour of waking.

Collection Instructions

  1. Wash your hands with soap and water.

  2. Dry with a clean towel.

  3. Lay out all materials from the test kit.

  4. Write your name, date, and time of collection on the collection card.

  5. Fold the collection card cover away from the filter paper (which has circles for blood collection). Do NOT touch the filter paper.

  6. Tape the card to a low surface (such as the table) with the filter paper facing out.

  7. Open the sterile gauze and alcohol pad.

  8. Wash and dry your hands again.

  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.

  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 4 hours.

    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 and completed test requisition form in the test kit.

  22. Place the test kit inside the provided envelope.

  23. Place the prepaid label on the envelope and mail via the carrier indicated on the label.

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.

Shipping

  • To prepare your sample for shipping,

    1. Place the collection card and completed test requisition form in the test kit.

    2. Place the test kit inside the provided envelope.

    3. Place the prepaid label on the envelope and mail via the carrier indicated on the label.

  • Most samples will be shipped via USPS or UPS. Please check your label to determine the carrier.

  • Ship samples as soon as possible after collection.

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.

More Resources

Questions?

For general questions, email Rupa Health at [email protected]. For test-specific questions, contact ZRT by calling 503-466-2445.

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