When should I collect my sample?
Some lab tests need samples collected while fasting or at a certain time of day or month.
Select your kit below for important information to help you plan your sample collection:
Most popular:
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–Friday.
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.
When should I collect my Standard 5 sample?
Collect your Standard 5 sample:
In the morning
Monday–Friday
At least 8 hours after taking any Biotin (B7) supplements (Learn more)
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.
When should I collect my Complete 8 sample?
Collect your Complete 8 samples:
In the morning
Monday–Friday
At least 8 hours after taking any Biotin (B7) supplements (Learn more)
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, or gardnerella vaginalis.
When should I collect my sample for my Herpes Test?
Collect your sample for your Herpes Test:
In the morning
Monday–Friday
Don't forget:
Collect and return your sample on the same day.
This test looks for antibodies which are a sign that you have been exposed to the herpes virus in the past. Antibodies usually take 4-16 weeks to appear after exposure, however in rare cases, it can take up to 6 months for antibodies to appear.
When should I collect my Hepatitis B & C sample?
Collect your sample for your Hepatitis B & C Test:
In the morning
Monday–Friday
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. In rare cases, it can take up to 6 months. Talk to a healthcare provider if you have any symptoms, even if your test result is negative.
When should I collect my Cholesterol Test sample?
Collect your sample for your Cholesterol Test:
In the morning
Monday–Friday
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.
When should I collect my Colon Cancer Screening Test sample?
Collect your sample for your Colon Cancer Screening Test:
Monday–Friday
Don't forget:
Do not collect a sample if you are on your period or bleeding due to hemorrhoids or constipation.
When should I collect my Cortisol Test sample?
Collect your sample for your Cortisol Test:
In the morning
Monday–Friday
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 Coronavirus Test sample?
Collect your sample for your Coronavirus (COVID-19) test:
Monday–Saturday
Don't forget to:
Collect and return your sample on the same day.
Schedule your free collection in advance.
When should I collect my Diabetes Test (A1c) sample?
Collect your sample for your Diabetes (A1c):
In the morning
Monday–Friday
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 Diabetes and Heart Test sample?
Collect your sample for the Diabetes and Heart Test:
In the morning
Monday–Friday
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.
When should I collect my Essential Vitamin Test sample
Collect your sample for your Essential Vitamin 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 high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) test sample?
Collect your sample for your CRP Test:
In the morning
Monday–Friday
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 Kidney Test sample?
Collect your sample for your Kidney Test:
In the morning
Monday–Friday
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.
When should I collect my Micronutrient Test sample?
Collect your sample for your Micronutrient Test:
In the morning
Monday–Friday
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 Thyroid Test sample?
Includes biomarkers: Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), thyroglobulin antibodies (TGAB) and thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO/TPEX)
Collect your sample for your Thyroid or Thyroid Antibody Test:
In the morning
Monday–Friday
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–Friday
Don't forget:
Collect and return your sample on the same day.
When should I collect my Testosterone Test sample?
Collect your sample for your Testosterone, Male Hormone or Male Hormone Plus Test:
In the morning
Monday–Friday
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 or a Male Hormone Complete Test)
When should I collect my Male Hormone Advanced Test Sample?
Collect your sample for your Male Hormone Advanced Test:
(Please see separate instructions if you purchased a Male Hormone, Male Hormone Plus, or Testosterone Test or a Male Hormone Complete 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.
When should I collect my Male Hormone Complete sample?
Collect your sample for the Male Hormone Complete Test:
In the morning
Monday–Friday (Monday–Thursday if you are located outside the US)
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
Collect your saliva sample before your blood sample
Collect your saliva sample before you brush your teeth
Do not drink water or take medication for 30 minutes before your saliva sample.
Take your sample 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.
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 Testosterone, Male Hormone Test, Male Hormone Plus Test, or Male Hormone Advanced Test)
When should I collect my Progesterone Test Sample?
Collect your sample for your Progesterone Test:
In the morning
Monday–Friday
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.
When should I collect my Female Hormone Test Sample?
Collect your sample for your Female Hormone Test:
In the morning
Monday–Friday
On day 3–7 of your menstrual cycle (The third day of blood flow during your period). 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.
At least 8 hours after taking any Biotin (B7) supplements (Learn more)
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.
When should I collect my Ovarian Reserve Test Sample?
Collect your sample for your Ovarian Reserve Test:
In the morning
Monday–Friday
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
When should I collect my PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) Test sample?
Collect your sample for the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Test:
In the morning
Monday–Friday
On day 3–7 of your menstrual cycle (The third day of blood flow during your period). Try out our calculator if you need help. If your period is absent or unpredictable then you can collect your sample on any Monday-Friday but you will need to share your results with a healthcare provider for additional interpretation.
After fasting for 8 hours (drinking water is ok)*
At least 8 hours after taking any Biotin (B7) supplements (Learn more)
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 to:
Collect your saliva sample before your blood sample.
Collect your saliva sample before you brush your teeth.
Do not drink water or take medication for 30 minutes before your saliva sample.
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.
*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.
When should I collect my Vaginitis (BV, CV, TV) Test sample?
Collect your sample for the Vaginitis (BV, CV, TV) Test:
In the morning
Monday–Friday
At least 48 hours after using vaginal creams, gels, tablets, or engaging in sexual activity.
Don't forget:
Do not collect your sample during your menstrual period
Collect and return your sample on the same day.
Be aware that it takes from 1-4 weeks from the time of exposure for trichomoniasis to become detectable in a sample. This is called the window period.