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All CollectionsLab Test InstructionsPrecision Analytical
DUTCH Adrenal
DUTCH Adrenal
Updated over 3 months ago

Test Details

Lab Company: Precision Analytical
​Sample Type: Urine
​Collection Location: At Home

The DUTCH Adrenal test assesses free cortisol patterns and metabolites to analyze a patient's total cortisol production.

Key Details

  • 💧 Avoid alcohol, caffeine, or large fluid intake during the collection period.

  • 💊 If you are taking hormones or supplements, consult the information below and your healthcare provider to discuss collection timing.

  • 🗓️ You can collect your samples on any day.

  • ❗️ Ensure the samples are fully dried before shipping them back.

  • 📦 Samples should be shipped as soon as possible after collection.

Preparation & Timing

  • DO NOT collect your sample while traveling for short periods of time.

  • DO NOT skip doses of birth control unless instructed by your healthcare provider.

  • If you are taking

    • Patch, Pellet, or Injectable Hormones: Collect your sample midway between doses.

    • Sublingual Hormones: Please review the video instructions HERE.

    • Oral Hydrocortisone: Please review the video instructions HERE.

    • Glucocorticoids: Check with your healthcare provider regarding when you should collect your samples.

72 hours before sample collection

  • Avoid taking the following oral hormones:

    • Estrogen

    • Pregnenolone

48 hours before sample collection

  • Avoid taking oral DHEA.

Sample Collection Day 1

  • Limit your fluid intake.

    • Keep fluids to no more than 40 oz total (spread evenly throughout the day).

  • Avoid the following beverages starting after lunch.

    • Alcohol

    • Caffeine

  • DO NOT drink any fluids for 2 hours before collecting each sample.

  • If you take hormones at night, wait to take them until after you collect the bedtime sample (sample 2).

Sample Collection Day 2

  • Limit your fluid intake.

    • DO NOT drink any fluids before collecting sample 3.

    • You can drink a little water immediately after sample 3. DO NOT drink more than 8 oz.

  • If you take hormones in the morning, wait to take your hormones after you collect the second morning sample (sample 4).

Collection Instructions

Collect according to the following schedule.

  • Collection Notes:

    • If you miss a collection, collect at the appropriate time the following day.

    • You can start the collection with Sample 3 instead of Sample 1. You must collect the extra sample if you do this.

    • If you have an abnormal sleep schedule, collect at the following times.

      • Sample 1: 4-7 hours before bed

      • Sample 2: before your longest stretch of sleep

      • Sample 3: upon waking from this sleeping period

      • Sample 4: 2 hours later

  1. DO NOT drink any fluids for 2 hours before each sample collection.

  2. Write the following information on the collection device.

    1. Your full name

    2. Date of collection

    3. Time of collection

    4. Day of your cycle (if applicable)

    5. Sample number (following the schedule above)

  3. Collect your urine by either:

    1. Urinating directly on the filter paper

    2. Collecting your urine in a clean cup

  4. If you collected your urine in a clean cup, dip the filter paper in the urine.

  5. Ensure the filter paper is fully saturated.

  6. Leave the collection device open to dry for at least 24 hours.

    1. DO NOT touch the filter paper with your fingers.

  7. Repeat steps 1-6 for each sample collection.

  8. Once the filter paper is dry, close and fold each collection device.

  9. COMPLETE THE TEST REQUISITION FORM.

    1. Instructions on how to fill out your requisition can be found HERE.

    2. Failure to complete and send the test requisition form may result in a sample recollection.

  10. Place all collection devices into the resealable plastic bag.

  11. Place the completed requisition form and plastic bag into the test kit box to ship back to the lab.

Requisition & Payment

  • Your kit has been prepaid. You DO NOT need to pay anything extra.

  • You must complete your requisition form and send it back with your samples. Failure to complete and send the test requisition form may result in a sample recollection.

    • Since you pre-paid for your tests, you do not need to fill in the payment information on this form.

How to Complete Your Requisition

Shipping

  • Please ship your samples as soon as possible after collection.

    • If you have to wait to ship your samples, please place the plastic bag containing the samples in the freezer after they have dried.

  • To prepare your samples for shipping,

    • Once the collection devices are dry, close and fold each device.

    • Place all sample collection devices into the resealable plastic bag.

    • Place the plastic bag into the test kit box.

    • Place the test kit box into the provided UPS envelope.

    • Place the completed requisition form into the provided UPS envelope.

    • Seal the envelope.

  • Make a note of the tracking number so that you can track your sample back to the lab.

Results

  • Results should be released to your provider 7-10 business days after samples are received at the lab. Rupa Health cannot guarantee processing time.

More Resources

Questions?

Reach out to Rupa Health via the chat in your patient portal.

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