Fertility Basic Test | ECLIA

Fertility Basic Test (B-244)

Essential Fertility Hormone Testing for Reproductive Health

The Fertility Basic Test (B-244) is a convenient at-home dried blood spot test designed to evaluate key hormones involved in ovarian reserve, ovulation, reproductive function, thyroid health, and stress response.

This foundational fertility profile measures six important biomarkers that can help identify hormonal factors affecting fertility, menstrual cycle regularity, and reproductive wellness.

Analytes Included

• Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH)
• Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
• Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
• Prolactin
• Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
• Cortisol

Why Test Your Fertility Hormones?

Successful conception depends on a complex interaction between the ovaries, pituitary gland, thyroid gland, and adrenal glands. Even subtle hormone imbalances can affect ovulation, egg quality, menstrual regularity, and reproductive health.

The Fertility Basic Test provides valuable information about:

• Ovarian reserve
• Ovulation signaling
• Thyroid function
• Pituitary hormone balance
• Stress hormone activity
• Overall reproductive health

What Does This Test Measure?

Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH)

AMH is one of the most reliable markers of ovarian reserve. It reflects the number of remaining egg-containing follicles within the ovaries and helps assess reproductive potential.

Higher AMH may indicate:

• Higher ovarian reserve
• Increased follicle count
• Possible PCOS-type hormone patterns

Lower AMH may indicate:

• Reduced ovarian reserve
• Age-related decline in ovarian function
• Decreased response to fertility treatments

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

FSH is produced by the pituitary gland and stimulates ovarian follicles to mature and prepare eggs for ovulation.

Higher FSH may indicate:

• Reduced ovarian reserve
• Decreased ovarian responsiveness
• Lower ovarian estrogen production

Lower FSH may indicate:

• Reduced pituitary signaling
• Hypothalamic or pituitary dysfunction

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

LH plays a critical role in triggering ovulation and supporting normal reproductive function.

Higher LH may indicate:

• Ovulatory dysfunction
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)-type patterns
• Reduced ovarian reserve

Lower LH may indicate:

• Reduced pituitary signaling
• Hypothalamic or pituitary dysfunction

Prolactin

Prolactin is a pituitary hormone that can suppress ovulation when elevated.

Higher Prolactin may indicate:

• Impaired ovulation
• Pituitary hormone imbalance
• Thyroid dysfunction
• Medication-related hormonal effects

Elevated prolactin can contribute to:

• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Reduced fertility
• Hormonal disruption

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

Healthy thyroid function is essential for normal menstrual cycles, ovulation, and fertility.

Higher TSH may suggest:

• Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
• Ovulatory disruption
• Menstrual irregularities
• Reduced fertility

Lower TSH may suggest:

• Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
• Hormonal imbalance affecting reproductive function

Cortisol

Cortisol is the body's primary stress hormone. Chronic stress and adrenal dysfunction can influence reproductive signaling and fertility.

High Cortisol may be associated with:

• Increased physiological stress
• Disrupted ovulation
• Suppressed LH and FSH signaling
• Hormonal imbalance

Low Cortisol may be associated with:

• Reduced adrenal function
• Impaired stress adaptation
• Altered reproductive hormone production

Day 3 Fertility Testing

Best Time to Collect

This profile is typically collected during the early follicular phase (Days 2-4 of the menstrual cycle), with Day 1 being the first day of full menstrual flow.

Why Test on Day 3?

Day 3 testing provides a baseline assessment of reproductive hormones before ovarian hormones begin significantly influencing results.

At this stage:

• LH and FSH reflect baseline pituitary output
• Ovarian reserve markers are most accurate
• Hormonal communication between the pituitary and ovaries can be evaluated
• Fertility potential can be assessed more effectively

Day 3 Testing Is Ideal For:

• Assessing ovarian reserve (AMH, FSH)
• Evaluating reproductive hormone signaling (LH, FSH)
• Measuring prolactin with minimal hormonal interference
• Assessing thyroid influence on fertility (TSH)
• Evaluating the impact of stress on reproductive health (Cortisol)
• Establishing a fertility baseline

Who Should Consider This Test?

The Fertility Basic Test may be beneficial for individuals who:

• Are planning to conceive
• Have irregular menstrual cycles
• Want to assess ovarian reserve
• Suspect hormonal imbalances
• Have concerns about ovulation
• Experience unexplained fertility challenges
• Want insight into thyroid or stress-related fertility factors

Benefits of the Fertility Basic Test

✔ Convenient at-home dried blood spot collection

✔ Evaluates key fertility-related hormones

✔ Assesses ovarian reserve and reproductive signaling

✔ Includes thyroid and stress hormone assessment

✔ Helps identify potential fertility-related hormone imbalances

✔ Supports informed discussions with healthcare practitioners

✔ Uses highly sensitive electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) technology

Test Details

Test Code: B-244
Sample Type: Dried Blood Spot (DBS)
Methodology: ECLIA
Collection Timing: Days 2-4 of menstrual cycle (typically Day 3)
Analytes Included: AMH, FSH, LH, Prolactin, TSH, Cortisol

Gain valuable insight into your reproductive health with the ZRT Fertility Basic Test, an essential starting point for understanding fertility hormone balance and ovarian reserve.

B-244 Fertility Basic Test Instructions

AMH, LH, FSH, TSH, Cortisol & Prolactin

Sample Type: Dried Blood Spot (DBS)

Click to see Fertility Test Sample Collection Instructions

Please read all instructions carefully before collecting your sample. Failure to follow the instructions may affect sample quality and test results.

Before You Begin

The B-244 Fertility Basic Test measures:

• Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH)
• Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
• Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
• Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
• Cortisol
• Prolactin

This test is performed using a simple finger-prick dried blood spot collection completed at home.

Important Information

This test is not recommended for individuals using hormonal contraceptives, including:

• Birth control pills
• Hormonal patches
• Vaginal rings
• Contraceptive injections
• Hormonal implants

Individuals using a progestin IUD may complete fertility testing; however, progesterone values may be lower than expected.

Step 1: Choose Your Collection Day

The B-244 Fertility Basic Test may be collected as either:

Option 1: Day 3 Fertility Testing

Day 3 testing is typically used to assess ovarian reserve and baseline reproductive hormone function.

When to Collect

Count Day 1 as the first day of full menstrual bleeding (not spotting).

Collect your sample on:

• Day 2
• Day 3
• Day 4

If menstrual flow is short, collect on Day 2 whenever possible.

Option 2: Day 21 Fertility Testing

Day 21 testing evaluates reproductive function later in the menstrual cycle.

Regular Cycle Lengths

Cycle length 23-26 days

• Collect on Day 17, 18, or 19

Cycle length 27-30 days

• Collect on Day 21, 22, or 23

Cycle length 31-34 days

• Collect on Day 25, 26, or 27

Longer or Shorter Cycles

Collect approximately:

• 5-7 days before your next expected period

Irregular or Unpredictable Cycles

If your cycles are irregular or infrequent, collect on any day that you are not actively bleeding.

Step 2: Preparation Before Collection

3 Days Before Collection

Avoid:

• Biotin (Vitamin B7) supplements
• Hair, skin and nail formulas containing biotin
• Anti-aging and anti-wrinkle facial creams

These products may interfere with certain laboratory measurements.

Hormone Users

Continue Hormones as Prescribed

Do not discontinue prescribed hormone therapy unless directed by your healthcare practitioner.

Record all hormone medications and supplements on your test requisition form.

Topical Creams, Oral Hormones, Troches & Sublingual Hormones

The day before collection:

• Continue treatment as prescribed.
• Ensure any evening hormone dose is applied at least 12 hours before collection.

Example:

• Apply evening hormone before 8:00 PM if collecting at 8:00 AM.

Topical Hormone Users

For at least 48 hours before collection:

• Do not apply hormones with bare hands.
• Use gloves or an applicator.
• Avoid applying hormones to the face, lips, or neck.

Patches, Pellets, Rings & Injections

Collect your sample midway between doses.

Examples:

• Weekly patch → Collect approximately 3 days after application.
• Monthly injection → Collect approximately 2 weeks after injection.

Steroid Medications

If taking:

• Hydrocortisone
• Prednisone
• Other glucocorticoids

Consult your healthcare provider regarding the best collection timing.

Night Before Collection

To minimize contamination:

• Change bed sheets
• Change pillowcases
• Use clean towels

Avoid surfaces that may contain hormone residue.

Day of Collection

Hydration

Stay well hydrated before collection.

Avoid excessive fluid intake immediately before sampling.

Collection Timing

Collect your blood spot sample:

Within one hour of waking

Step 3: Blood Spot Collection

Prepare Your Card

Before collection:

1. Write your full name on the collection card.
2. Record the collection date.
3. Record the collection time.

Prepare Your Hands

1. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.
2. Dry with a clean towel.
3. Ensure your hands are warm to encourage blood flow.

Helpful tip:

• Rub your hands together.
• Swing your arms gently.
• Run hands under warm water.

Prepare Collection Materials

Open:

• Alcohol prep pad
• Sterile gauze

Select either:

• Middle finger
• Ring finger

Use the non-dominant hand whenever possible.

Clean the Finger

1. Wipe the selected finger using the alcohol pad.
2. Allow the finger to air dry completely.

Use the Lancet

1. Twist and remove the lancet cap.
2. Place the lancet firmly against the side of your fingertip.
3. Press until it clicks.

Wipe away the first drop of blood using sterile gauze.

Collect the Blood Spot Sample

1. Open the blood spot card cover.
2. Fold the cover away from the collection paper.
3. Avoid touching the collection circles.
4. Place the card on a flat surface below waist level.

Collecting Blood

• Hold your hand below your waist.
• Allow gravity to assist blood flow.
• Gently milk the finger from the base toward the tip.
• Avoid excessive squeezing.

Filling the Circles

Allow one drop of blood per circle.

Each spot should:

✅ Fill most of the printed circle

✅ Be round in appearance

✅ Soak completely through the card

✅ Be a single drop

Do not:

❌ Layer drops on top of each other

❌ Smear blood across the circle

❌ Touch the filter paper

Fill as many circles as possible.

Several large, well-formed spots are preferable to many poor-quality spots.

Apply the bandage once collection is complete.

Step 4: Dry the Sample

Leave the blood spot card open to air dry.

Drying Time

Allow the sample to dry for at least:

4 hours

After drying:

• Close the card cover.
• Store in a cool, dry location.
• Keep away from direct sunlight until shipment.

Step 5: Complete the Paperwork

Ensure all sections of the test requisition form are completed.

Include:

• Current medications
• Current supplements
• Hormone therapies
• Collection date and time

Incomplete paperwork may result in:

• Reporting delays
• Sample rejection
• Interpretation limitations

Step 6: Package Your Sample

1. Place the dried blood spot card in the test kit.
2. Include the completed requisition form.
3. Your payment include laboratory fee. No any other payment required except shipping payment posting your sample to lab. 
4. Close the kit securely.
5. Place the kit in the return packaging. Customers are responsible for shipping back sample to our lab.

Before Sending

Verify that blood spots are completely dry before packaging.

Moisture may damage the sample and may require recollection.

Shipping Instructions

Mail your sample as soon as possible after collection.

Delayed Shipping

If you cannot ship within 24 hours:

• Place the sample inside its storage bag.
  

Important

Samples received more than 30 days after collection may be rejected by the laboratory.

Collection Checklist

✅ Selected correct collection day

✅ Completed requisition form

✅ Recorded medications and hormones

✅ Collected within one hour of waking

✅ Filled blood spot circles correctly

✅ Allowed sample to dry at least 4 hours

✅ Packaged all materials

✅ Shipped promptly

Following these instructions carefully helps ensure accurate and reliable fertility hormone test results.