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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:

When should I collect my Simple 2 sample?

Collect your Simple 2 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 takes 2 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. 

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When to test Simple 2 When to test Simple 2

When should I collect my Basic 3 sample?

Collect your Basic 3 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 takes 2-4 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.

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Basic 3 Window PeriodBasic 3 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 takes from 6-12 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.

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Window period for detectable sampleWindow period for detectable sample

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 takes from 6-12 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.

  • There are no scientifically agreed-upon window periods for ureaplasma, mycoplasma, gardnerella vaginalis, and herpes. LetsGetChecked tests are designed to detect active infections.

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Window period for detectable sampleWindow period for detectable sample

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.

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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 from 8–11 weeks from the time of exposure for both infections included in this test to become detectable in a sample. This is called the window period. For Hepatitis B it takes 4-9 weeks for it to become detectable. Hepatitis C takes 8-11 weeks to become detectable.

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When should I collect my Bowel Cancer Screening Test sample?

Collect your sample for your Bowel Cancer Screening Test:

  • Monday–Thursday

Don't forget:

  • Do not collect your sample during your menstrual period

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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)*

  • 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 regards to fasting, particularly if you have any medical conditions.

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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.

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When should I collect my Coronavirus Test sample?

Collect your sample for your Coronavirus (COVID-19) test:

  • Monday–Thursday

Don't forget to:

  • Collect and return your sample on the same day.

  • Schedule your free collection in advance. 

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When should I collect my Cortisol Test sample?

Collect your sample for your Cortisol Test:

  • Between 8am and 10am 

  • 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.

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When should I collect my C-Reative 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.

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When should I collect my Diabetes Test (A1c) sample?

Collect your sample for your Diabetes (HbA1c):

  • 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.

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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.

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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.

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When should I collect my Kidney Test sample?

Collect your sample for your Kidney Test:

  • In the morning

  • Monday–Thursday

  • At least 8 hours after taking any Biotin (B7) supplements (Learn more)

  • You do not have to fast before your kidney test but it is recommended to avoid protein-heavy meals before collecting your sample as this can impact test results. This includes red meat, protein shakes, and supplements.

Don't forget:

  • Collect and return your sample on the same day.

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When should I collect my Lyme Disease Test sample?

Collect your sample for your Lyme Disease Test:

  • In the morning before 10am

  • Monday–Thursday

Don't forget:

  • Collect and return your sample on the same day.

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When should I collect my Omega 3 Test sample?

Collect your sample for your Omega 3 Test:

  • In the morning before 10am

  • 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.

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When should I collect my Thyroid Test 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.

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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.

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When should I collect my Vitamin D Test sample?

Collect your sample for your Vitamin D Test:

  • In the morning before 10am

  • Monday–Thursday

Don't forget:

  • Collect and return your sample on the same day.

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When should I collect my Male Hormone Test sample?

Collect your sample for your Male Hormone, Male Hormone Plus, or Testosterone Test:

  • Before 9am

  • 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 )

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When should I collect my Male Hormone Advanced Test Sample?

Collect your sample for your Male Hormone Advanced Test:

  • Before 9am

  • 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)

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When should I collect my PSA Test Sample?

Collect your sample for your PSA Test:

  • In the morning before 10am

  • 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.

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When should I collect my Female Hormone Test Sample?

Collect your sample for your Female Hormone Test:

  • In the morning before 10am

  • Monday–Thursday

  • On day 3–7 of your menstrual cycle* (The third day of blood flow during your period).

  • At least 8 hours after taking any Biotin (B7) supplements (Learn more)

Try out our Menstrual Cycle Calculator if you need help.

Don't forget to:

  • Avoid sexual activity in the 24 hours beforehand

  • 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.

*If you have an absent period and are unable to take this test on day 3 your results will need further interpretation by your healthcare provider.

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When should I collect my HPV Test Sample?

Collect your sample for your HPV Test:

  • 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.

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When should I collect my Ovarian Reserve Test Sample?

Collect your sample for your Ovarian Reserve Test:

  • In the morning before 10am

  • Monday–Thursday

  • At least 8 hours after taking any Biotin (B7) supplements (Learn more)

Don't forget to:

  • Wait 3 months after taking hormonal contraceptives or hormonal replacement therapy before testing

  • Collect and return your sample on the same day

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When should I collect my Progesterone Test Sample?

Collect your sample for your Progesterone Test:

  • In the morning before 10am

  • 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. Try out our menstrual cycle calculator if you need help.

  • At least 8 hours after taking any Biotin (B7) supplements (Learn more)

Don't forget to:

  • 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.

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