When should I collect my sample?
Some laboratory tests require samples collected while fasting or at a certain time of day or month.
Select your kit below for important information that can help you plan when to collect your sample:
Sexual Health
Wellness
Men's Health
Women's Health
When should I collect my Simple 2 sample?
Collect your Simple 2 sample:
In the morning.
Monday–Thursday.
Don't forget:
Collect and return your sample on the same day.
Be aware that it takes 1-3 weeks from the time of exposure for all the infections included in this test to become detectable in a sample. This is called the window period.
When should I collect my Basic 3 sample?
Collect your Basic 3 sample:
In the morning.
Monday–Thursday.
Don't forget:
Collect and return your sample on the same day.
Be aware that it takes 1-4 weeks from the time of exposure for all the infections included in this test to become detectable in a sample. This is called the window period.
When should I collect my Standard 6 sample?
Collect your Standard 6 sample:
In the morning.
Monday–Thursday.
At least 8 hours after taking any Biotin (B7) supplements.
Don't forget:
Collect and return your sample on the same day.
Be aware that it could take up to 6 months from the time of exposure for all the infections included in this test to become detectable in a sample. This is called the window period.
When should I collect my Complete 11 sample?
Collect your Complete 11 sample:
In the morning
Monday–Thursday
At least 8 hours after taking any Biotin (B7) supplements.
Don't forget:
It can take time between exposure to an infection and when it can be found in a test. This is called the window period.
When should I collect my sample for my Herpes Test?
Collect your sample for your Herpes Test:
In the morning
Monday–Thursday
Don't forget:
Collect and return your sample the same day.
This test looks for antibodies which are a sign that you have been exposed to the herpes virus in the past. Testing can show if you have been exposed at some point in the past but can’t tell if you are having an outbreak of symptoms related to genital or oral herpes.
Antibodies usually take 2-14 days to appear after exposure, however it can take up to 16 weeks for antibodies to appear.
If you think that you have an active herpes infection, it is recommended to follow up with a healthcare provider. They may recommend a swab of the area and will be able to provide information on treatment options if needed.
When should I collect my Hepatitis B & C sample?
Collect your sample for your Hepatitis B & C Test:
In the morning
Monday–Thursday
At least 8 hours after taking any Biotin (B7) supplements. (Learn more)
Don't forget:
Collect and return your sample the same day.
Be aware that it takes on average 60-90 days for Hepatitis B and 45-65 days for Hepatitis C from the time of exposure, to become detectable in a sample. This is called the window period. In rare cases, it can take up to 6 months. Talk to a healthcare provider if you have any symptoms or concerns, even if your test result is negative.
When should I collect my Bowel Cancer Screening Test sample?
Collect your sample for your Bowel Cancer Screening Test:
Monday–Thursday
Don't forget:
Collect and return your sample on the same day.
Do not collect a sample during your period or bleeding due to hemorrhoids or constipation.
When should I collect my Cholesterol Test sample?
Collect your sample for your Cholesterol Test:
In the morning
Monday–Thursday
After fasting for 8 hours (drinking water is ok)*
Don't forget:
Collect and return your sample on the same day.
*Fasting means that you don’t eat or drink anything besides water overnight for 8 hours before collecting your sample. Always follow the advice of your physician with regards to fasting, particularly if you have any medical conditions.
When should I collect my coeliac sample?
Collect your sample for your Coeliac Test:
In the morning
Monday–Thursday
After at least 6 weeks of eating a gluten-containing diet.
Don't forget:
Collect and return your sample the same day.
When should I collect my Cortisol Test sample?
Collect your sample for your Cortisol Test:
In the morning
Monday–Thursday
When you feel safe, calm, and in the last 24 hours have not been unusually stressed, scared, injured, or engaged in vigorous activity. These can impact your cortisol levels.
Don't forget:
Collect and return your sample on the same day.
When should I collect my C-Reactive Protein (CRP) sample?
Collect your sample for your CRP Test:
In the morning
Monday–Thursday
Please wait until you have fully recovered before taking this test if you have had recent surgery, an infection, or have engaged in strenuous exercise (eg. marathon running in the past 2-3 weeks) as these will raise your levels temporarily.
Don't forget:
Collect and return your sample on the same day.
When should I collect my Diabetes Test (A1c) sample?
Collect your sample for your Diabetes (HbA1c):
In the morning
Monday–Thursday
Don't forget:
Collect and return your sample on the same day.
When should I collect my Essential Vitamin Test sample
Collect your sample for your Essential Vitamin Test:
In the morning
Monday–Thursday
After fasting for 8 hours (drinking water is ok)*
At least 8 hours after taking any Biotin (B7) supplements (Learn more)
Don't forget:
Collect and return your sample on the same day.
*Fasting means that you don’t eat or drink anything besides water overnight for 8 hours before collecting your sample. Always follow the advice of your physician with regard to fasting, particularly if you have any medical conditions.
When should I collect my Folate Test sample?
Collect your sample for your Folate Test:
In the morning
Monday–Thursday
After fasting for 8 hours (drinking water is ok)*
Don't forget:
Collect and return your sample on the same day.
*Fasting means that you don’t eat or drink anything besides water overnight for 8 hours before collecting your sample. Always follow the advice of your physician with regard to fasting, particularly if you have any medical conditions.
When should I collect my Kidney Test sample?
Collect your sample for your Kidney Test:
In the morning
Monday–Thursday
Don't forget:
Consuming large amounts of protein, including red meat, protein shakes, and supplements, before collecting your sample may impact your creatinine result by temporarily elevating it.
Collect and return your sample on the same day.
When should I collect my Omega 3 Test sample?
Collect your sample for your Omega 3 Test:
In the morning
Monday–Thursday
After fasting for 8 hours (drinking water is ok)*
Don't forget:
Collect and return your sample on the same day.
*Fasting means that you don’t eat or drink anything besides water overnight for 8 hours before collecting your sample. Always follow the advice of your physician with regard to fasting, particularly if you have any medical conditions.
When should I collect my Thyroid or Thyroid Antibody Test sample?
Collect your sample for your Thyroid or Thyroid Antibody Test:
In the morning
Monday–Thursday
At least 8 hours after taking any Biotin (B7) supplements (Learn more)
Don't forget:
Collect and return your sample on the same day.
When should I collect my Vitamin B12 Test sample?
Collect your sample for your Vitamin B12 Test:
In the morning
Monday–Thursday
At least 8 hours after taking any Biotin (B7) supplements (Learn more)
Don't forget:
Collect and return your sample on the same day.
When should I collect my Vitamin D Test sample?
Collect your sample for your Vitamin D Test:
In the morning
Monday–Thursday
Don't forget:
Collect and return your sample on the same day.
When should I collect my Male Hormone Test sample?
Collect your sample for your Male Hormone, Male Hormone Plus, or Testosterone Test:
In the morning
Monday–Thursday
After fasting for 8 hours (drinking water is ok)*
At least 8 hours after taking any Biotin (B7) supplements. (Learn more)
Don't forget:
Collect and return your sample on the same day.
*Fasting means that you don’t eat or drink anything besides water overnight for 8 hours before collecting your sample. Always follow the advice of your healthcare provider with regards to fasting, particularly if you have any medical conditions.
(Please see separate instructions if you purchased a Male Hormone Advanced Test )
When should I collect my Male Hormone Advanced Test Sample?
Collect your sample for your Male Hormone Advanced Test:
In the morning
Monday–Thursday
After fasting for 8 hours (drinking water is ok)*
At least 8 hours after taking any Biotin (B7) supplements. (Learn more)
Don't forget:
Avoid sexual activity in the 24 hours beforehand. (Learn why)
Collect and return your sample on the same day.
*Fasting means that you don’t eat or drink anything besides water overnight for 8 hours before collecting your sample. Always follow the advice of your healthcare provider with regard to fasting, particularly if you have any medical conditions.
(Please see separate instructions if you purchased a Male Hormone, Male Hormone Plus, or Testosterone Test)
When should I collect my PSA Test Sample?
Collect your sample for your PSA Test:
In the morning
Monday–Thursday
Don't forget:
Do not ejaculate or engage in sexual activity, vigorous exercise, or activities that may impact the testes in the 24 hours before collecting your sample.
Collect and return your sample on the same day.
When should I collect my Female Hormone Test Sample?
Collect your sample for your Female Hormone Test:
You should collect your sample in the morning on a Monday–Thursday, and if possible, on days 3 to 7 of your menstrual cycle (as your hormone levels vary throughout your cycle). If your period is absent or unpredictable, don't worry, you can collect and return your sample on any weekday. Collect and return your sample on the same day.
Please note that the use (or use in the past 3 months) of certain medications such as hormonal contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can impact results, and we recommend consulting with your healthcare provider about the most suitable testing option for you.
At least 8 hours after taking any Biotin (B7) supplements. (Learn more)
Don't forget:
Wait at least 3 months to collect your sample after taking hormonal contraception or hormonal replacement therapy.
Collect and return your sample on the same day.
When should I collect my HPV Test Sample?
Collect your sample for your HPV Test:
In the morning
Monday–Thursday
Don't forget:
Do not collect your sample during your menstrual period
Avoid sexual activity and use of vaginal creams, gels, or tablets for at least 48 hours before collecting your sample.
Collect and return your sample on the same day.
When should I collect my Ovarian Reserve Test Sample?
Collect your sample for your Ovarian Reserve Test:
In the morning
Monday–Thursday
At least 8 hours after taking any Biotin (B7) supplements. (Learn more)
Don't forget:
Wait 3 months after taking hormonal contraceptives or hormonal replacement therapy before testing.
Collect and return your sample on the same day.
When should I collect my Progesterone Test Sample?
Collect your sample for your Progesterone Test:
In the morning
Monday–Thursday
On day 21 of your cycle (if your cycle is 28 days). If your average cycle is longer than 28 days take your sample 7 days before your period is due.
At least 8 hours after taking any Biotin (B7) supplements. (Learn more)
Don't forget:
Wait at least 3 months to collect your sample after taking hormonal contraception or hormonal replacement therapy.
Collect and return your sample on the same day.