Finger Prick Blood Plasma Spot Collection Instructions

Before Sample Collection

• PLEASE READ THROUGH THESE INSTRUCTIONS IN THEIR ENTIRETY. 
• Samples should be collected within 30 minutes of waking for the day.
• If testing for lipids, customers should fast for 10-12 hours before sample collection.
• Pro Tip: 
  • Rub hands together, swing arms, and gently massage your forearm with the the other hand to encourage blood flow before using the lancet to prick your finger.

How to Collect Your Sample

1. Please watch the plasma spot collection instruction video above.
2. Wash your hands with warm water and dry them with a clean towel.
3. Verify the test kit contents and place them on a flat surface, such as a table (preferably below your waist level). Open the flap of the plasma collection card and keep it strait on the table. Write your name, collection date, and time in the provided space on the card.
4. Clean the outer edge of middle and or/ring finger of your non-dominated hand with the alcohol wipe and allow to air dry for 20-30 seconds.
5. Twist the cap off the provided blue and white lancet and press the white section firmly against the outer side of the cleaned finger tip until you hear the lancet click. Quickly wipe away the small first blood drop with the sterile gauze pad.
6. Position your finger over the printed square on the plasma spot card and gently massage the entire length of finger to form a large, hanging blood drop. Do not squeeze too hard.
7. Touch the hanging drop to the center of the square, dropping two or three large drops on each square, without touching your finger to the collection area inside the square. Stop adding more blood if the red color crosses the red dotted line.
8. Continue collection blood drops until all the squares are filled. If you are unable to get sufficient blood, repeat from step 2 using a different finger and the second lancet provided in the kit.
9. After blood collection is complete, gently press the gauze pad to stop bleeding and apply the bandage.
10. Leave plasma spot card open to dry for a minimum of 30 minutes. After drying, close the top flap and place the card into the aluminum pouch with moisture-absorbing pack and seal. Place the sealed pouch in the freezer until ready to mail.

 How to Package and Mail Your Sample

The day after you collect your sample, place the following into the pre-addressed return envelope:

1. The tightly sealed aluminum pouch containing the plasma spot card.
2. The completed and signed requisition / lab order form. Without your signature, the lab can not process your sample.

Close the mailer, attach the shipping label, and mail the package to the lab, Ayumetrix, for processing.

Guidelines for Hormone Users

Do not stop your hormone use, but follow the directions below for optimal sample collection timings.

• Topical Hormones
  • Do not apply any topical hormone on the day of your sample collection. Collect your sample 12-24 hours after the last dose.
• Sublingual Hormones or Troches
  • Collect your sample 6-10 hours after the last dose.
• Oral Hormones (pills)(Progesterone)
  • If taking progesterone:
    • Collect your sample 6-10 hours after the last dose.
  • For all other hormones:
    • Collect your sample12-24 hours after the last dose.
• Injections and Pellets
  • Collect your sample mid-regimen, between injections / pellets.
• Transdermal Patches
  • Collect your sample 1-2 days after applying the patch.
• 7-Keto DHEA
  • Collect your sample 72 hours after the last dose.

Topical Hormone Users

• Do not apply any topical hormones with bare hands for a minimum of two days before collecting your sample. Use gloves or hormone applicators.
• Do not apply hormones to your face or neck the night before collecting your sample.
• Apply hormones to areas that can be covered by clothing. This is to prevent undesired hormone contamination of your sample.

To download a copy of these instructions from the laboratory, please click here.

If you have additional questions about taking your sample, please call the lab directly, Ayumetrix, at 1-800-215-8898.