This guide summarises the dried blood spot steps in the Medicare Testing Instructions PDF. Timing varies by test panel, so check your requisition and follow the instructions supplied with your kit. This sheet covers blood spot collection; if your kit also asks for saliva or another sample, use the separate instructions for that sample too.
Choose the collection day
- Men, children and non-menstruating women: the sheet says to collect on any day of the month.
- For FSH testing for fertility reasons, it says to collect on day 3 of the menstrual cycle.
- If testing estradiol (E2), progesterone (Pg) or testosterone (T): for regular cycles, collect on day 19, 20 or 21. Day 1 is the first day of your period.
- For irregular cycles, if you know when your next period is expected, the sheet says to collect 5 days beforehand. For unpredictable cycles, collect on a day when you are not bleeding.
- For all other tests, the sheet says you can collect on any day of the month.
Check fasting and hormone-use guidance
If your panel includes CardioMetabolic tests such as insulin or triglycerides, the instructions recommend an overnight fast of 10–12 hours before a morning collection, with water only. The sheet also has specific timing and handling guidance for hormone users, including topical hormones. Record hormone use on your requisition and do not stop prescribed hormones; if you are unsure how the instructions apply to your medication, ask your healthcare professional or the laboratory before collecting.
Collect the blood spot
- Write your name and the collection date and time on the card before washing your hands. Then wash and dry your hands, and warm them to help blood flow.
- Open the card without touching the filter paper and secure it to a flat surface below heart level.
- Clean the side of a finger with the alcohol pad and let it air-dry. Use the supplied lancet as directed, then wipe away the first drop with gauze.
- Keep your hand below your waist and gently milk the finger. Place one drop in each circle without overlapping. The instructions say each spot should soak through the card, be at least about the size of a pencil eraser, and contain one drop per circle.
Leave the card open to dry for at least 30 minutes. Once dry, close it and store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight until shipping. Complete and sign the paperwork, include the requisition and any Medicare form or other documents supplied for your kit, and return everything using the kit box and packaging.
Explore related tests
Browse Female Hormone Profile Tests or see the Female Hormone & CardioMetabolic Test. That kit lists saliva and dried blood spot samples, so follow separate saliva instructions for its saliva collection.
This article is for general sample-collection information only, not medical advice or a diagnosis. Follow your specific kit instructions and consult a qualified healthcare professional about personal health questions or medication timing.