The MediCARE Specialized Kit uses advanced dried blood spot (DBS) technology to deliver comprehensive health insights through a simple, at-home test. By measuring all standard analytes, this kit helps identify hormone imbalances, cardiometabolic risk, excess exposure to heavy metals, and Vitamin D deficiency—with the added benefit that all analytes measured in dried blood spot are currently eligible for Medicare coverage.
What Is Blood Spot Testing?
Blood spot testing was first developed in the 1960s to screen newborns for phenylketonuria (PKU), using a simple heel stick instead of a traditional blood draw. It was later expanded to include screening for congenital hypothyroidism. Today, blood spot testing is routinely used for thyroid screening and has been successfully adapted to measure a wide range of analytes.
Thanks to its ease of collection, sample stability during storage and transport, and strong correlation with serum test results, dried blood spot testing has become an ideal method for epidemiological studies and field research—supporting health assessments in both children and adults.
Why Choose Dried Blood Spot Testing?
Blood spot testing offers distinct advantages over conventional venipuncture serum testing, particularly for patients using topical hormone therapies.
Steroid hormones produced naturally in the body show nearly identical levels when measured in venous serum or finger-stick capillary blood spots. However, when hormones are delivered transdermally, sublingually, or vaginally, capillary blood spot levels can be significantly higher than serum levels. This makes blood spot testing especially valuable for accurate monitoring in these cases.
Despite these advantages, blood spot results still correlate well with standard serum tests—without the cost, inconvenience, or stress of traditional blood draws.
Key Benefits at a Glance
- No phlebotomist or clinic visit required
- No centrifugation, special preparation, or specialized shipping
- At-home collection allows testing at the optimal time of day, month, or following hormone therapy
- Hormones and analytes remain stable at room temperature for weeks
- Reference ranges for blood spot hormones are nearly identical to serum ranges
- All measured analytes are eligible for Medicare coverage
A Simple, Nearly Painless Collection Process
Blood spot collection is quick and minimally invasive. A small finger prick is followed by placing a few drops of blood onto a filter card.
Each test kit includes:
- Step-by-step instructions
- Skin cleansing wipes
- Two sterile lancets
- Filter paper for blood collection
- A bandage
Once dried, the sample requires no special handling and is returned to the laboratory in a pre-paid package, along with a completed requisition form noting current symptoms and therapies.
Hormone Testing with Greater Precision
Accurate measurement of steroid hormones in blood spots has important implications for reproductive endocrinology and hormone replacement therapy monitoring. This is particularly beneficial for individuals using sublingual hormones, for whom saliva testing may not be optimal.
Blood spot cortisol testing, especially early-morning cortisol, correlates strongly with serum levels and provides a reliable snapshot of adrenal function—without the stress response that can accompany venipuncture.
Vitamin D: A Hidden Deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency often presents without obvious symptoms, yet it significantly increases the risk of serious conditions, including cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, autoimmune disorders, and infections such as influenza.
Low Vitamin D levels have also been linked to:
- Stroke
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
- Depression
- Breast and colon cancers
A simple dried blood spot test allows accurate measurement of both Vitamin D3 and Vitamin D2, making it one of the easiest ways to assess and monitor Vitamin D status.
Understanding CardioMetabolic Risk
Managing cardiometabolic risk is essential for long-term health and longevity. The MediCARE CardioMetabolic Profile evaluates key markers associated with cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, including:
- High-sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP)
- Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)
- Fasting insulin
- Fasting triglycerides
- Cholesterol profile: Total, LDL, HDL, and VLDL
With a single at-home blood spot test, patients gain actionable insights to support lifestyle changes and preventive care.
Taking Control of Your Health
The MediCARE Specialized Blood Spot Test combines scientific rigor with everyday convenience. By eliminating barriers such as clinic visits and blood draws—while maintaining accuracy comparable to serum testing—it empowers patients and practitioners alike to make informed, proactive health decisions.
Simple, reliable, and Medicare-eligible, dried blood spot testing represents a modern approach to comprehensive health assessment.