This kit guide covers dried blood spot cards and dried urine cards, but the panel determines which samples you need. Start by matching the test code on your requisition to the Heavy Metals & Essential Elements Collection Instructions. The guide notes that not every panel requires every material in the kit.
Check timing and preparation
The guide says to collect a blood spot within one hour of waking. For urine, follow the timetable for your panel; the guide lists a first sample upon waking and a second sample before bed when required. Limit water to no more than 8 oz in the hour before a urine collection. If your panel also includes cardiometabolic tests such as insulin or triglycerides, the guide recommends an overnight fast of 10–12 hours with water only.
The PDF includes specific directions for iodine and selenium foods and supplements. Check that section for your panel, and ask your healthcare professional before changing any prescribed or medically advised supplement or medicine. If you use hormones, record them on your requisition and follow the guide’s hormone-user section; do not stop prescribed hormones without advice from your prescriber.
Collect the dried blood spot
- Write your name, collection date and time on the card before washing your hands.
- Wash and dry your hands, warm them, then open the card without touching the filter paper. Secure it to a flat surface below heart level.
- Clean the side of a middle or ring finger on your non-dominant hand 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 the centre of each circle without overlapping. The guide prioritises well-saturated spots over partially filled circles.
Blood should soak through so it is visible on the back of the card. Leave it open to dry for at least four hours, then close it and store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Collect and dry the urine card
Before the first morning urine sample, the guide says not to eat or drink anything but water or take vitamins, supplements or medicines until after the collection, except as advised by your healthcare professional. Do not delay a prescribed medicine without checking with your prescriber.
At each required collection, label a separate card with your name, date and time before collecting. Apply urine directly to the filter paper or collect it in a clean cup and dip the paper to the top black dash line. Hang or tape the card securely so the wet paper does not touch anything. Let it dry completely for at least six hours, then refold it and seal it in its bag. Do not leave dry cards outside their bags for more than 24 hours.
The guide states that wet, unsealed or too-dilute urine samples, and samples more than 30 days old, will be rejected. Complete the paperwork and return the dry samples using the kit box, packaging and carrier supplied.
Explore the collection and test kits
Browse the Heavy Metals & Essential Elements Tests collection, or see the Thyroid, Heavy Metals & Essential Elements Test and Heavy Metals & Mineral Balance Test. Both product pages list dried blood spot and dried urine samples; check each kit for its exact panel and collection steps.
This article covers specimen collection only. It is not medical advice or an interpretation of test results. Follow your kit guide and contact the laboratory or a qualified healthcare professional if you are unsure about timing, supplements, medicines or collection.