ZRT, (the laboratory we work with) developed the science for accurately measuring hormones in dried blood spot and is currently the only lab to offer this method commercially.
Why measure in blood spot?
Blood spot is ideal for measuring hormones and other analytes such as insulin, blood lipids, Vitamin D, thyroid hormones, and elements like lead and magnesium. It offers distinct advantages over serum because it eliminates the need for a blood draw - saving patients' time and money.
Best Blood Test for Topical Hormones
Blood spot is more accurate than serum for tracking topical hormone supplementation. And there are No Needles and No Office Visit required. ZRT's convenient at-home blood spot collection requires only a quick finger pierce with a lancet and a series of blood drops on a collection card - no blood draw needles and no trip to the phlebotomist.
Research also shows that blood spot is more accurate than serum for measuring blood hormone levels in patients supplementing topically.
Unlike other labs, patients do not need to stop hormone supplementation to use ZRT's testing because they have ranges adjusted for age, menstrual status and supplementation types. This is the ideal method for tracking the effectiveness of hormone treatments.
When to Choose Blood Spot Testing over Saliva or Blood Serum Testing
Blood spot testing provides results that correlate extremely well to serum testing results in terms of accuracy, but without the cost and inconvenience of conventional blood drawing.
There is no more wasted time and resources going to a lab for a painful blood draw as you collect your sample either at home or in your doctor's office.
In preparation for the CardioMetabolic testing and morning cortisol, which must both be done upon waking, blood spot testing is particularly convenient after an all-night fast. Blood spot testing is also a preferred method for those supplementing with troches or sublingual hormones. Use of these particular oral supplements can cause false high saliva testing results due to high concentrations of hormone in the oral mucosa for several days following your last dosage.
Blood spot testing allows people who use these oral supplements to continue taking their hormones while testing.
Blood spot testing is also preferable for those who have dry mouth conditions such as Sjogren's Syndrome or who otherwise have difficulty collecting enough saliva for testing. In addition, some of ZRT's tests are only offered in blood spot, such as thyroid, CardioMetabolic, and Vitamin D.
Choose Blood Spot testing if you:
- Use troche or sublingual (dissolved under the tongue) hormones
- Cannot create enough saliva
- Would rather perform a finger stick
- Want to measure a hormone that is only tested in blood spot
Does Blood Spot Collection Hurt?
Not at all! A blood spot is collected by making a quick, tiny prick on your finger using the included finger lancet and collecting a drop of blood.
What is included in the specimen collection kits for Blood Spot collection?
Blood Spot Collection Kits contain a filter paper collection card, finger lancets, an alcohol prep pad, sterile gauze, a band-aid, easy-to-follow instructions, and a mailer to return the sample for analysis.
Some of our tests feature a combination of collection methods (saliva, blood spot and/or dried urine) as you will see when clicking on a specific test to learn more about it.
Please note that because return postage is included with this these test kits, there is an extra shipping charge of $10. (This extra charge is NOT added to the Canine Health Check Test Kit or Any of the Air Quality Test Kits.
NOTE: Per state laws, if you live in California, and only if you would like to receive one of the saliva, blood or urine tests, you will need to email us a prescription from a medical practitioner (could be a physician, physician's assistant, naturopath etc.) in order for us to process your order and send you your test. New York residents may not receive tests per state laws. Perhaps having these tests shipped to you outside of California or New York may be a good option. The Air Quality tests and Pet tests do NOT need a prescription and can be sent anywhere needed.
All of the tests we offer that use blood spot testing are included on this page.
To Learn More About Related Products and Articles
Each of our home health test kits has its own detailed information page for you to explore.
To get in-depth information about each product, including ingredients and directions, just click on the product name or image below. More Information and Articles can be found under the products listed below as well as in the Associated Pages box on the right.
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