Important Guidance:
For optimal and clinically relevant results, samples should be collected under normative conditions, ensuring consistency in collection procedures and tube handling. Patients should maintain their routine diet, medications, and supplements unless specifically instructed otherwise by their healthcare provider. This approach ensures accurate assessment based on their usual physiological state. Collect the first-morning urine sample upon waking. Do not consume food or drink (except water) for at least 8 hours prior to collecting.
Test Interference:
Test interference occurs when a food, supplement, or medication alters the sample or directly interferes with testing reagents. Test interference causes an inaccurate result (e.g., false positive, false negative, false higher, or false lower).
Biological Effects:
Even without interfering with the test, some substances can influence your body’s biomarkers, affecting your results by increasing or decreasing the biomarker. However, biological effects do not interfere with test performance, accuracy, or validity. Results will be accurate as measured.
RECOMMENDED: Preparing for the Test to Avoid Test Interference
- Medications: Continue taking prescribed medications unless otherwise directed by your health care provider. Inform the lab if you're on any medications that may potentially cause interference.
Hydration: Ensure adequate hydration by drinking 8 glasses of water per day for 2-3 days before the test. On the collection day, do not drink more than 8 oz of water 1 hour prior to urine collection.
OPTIONAL: Preparing for the Test to Avoid Biological Effects
- Diet: For 48 hours before collection, avoid foods high in antioxidants such as berries, leafy greens, nuts, and seeds. For 24 hours before collection, refrain from consuming alcohol and caffeine.
- Supplements: Avoid use of antioxidant supplements (e.g., vitamin C, vitamin E, CoQ10) for 72 hours before collection. Consult your health care provider before stopping any prescribed supplements.
- Environmental Factors: Avoid intense physical exercise and exposure to environmental pollutants (e.g., cigarette smoke, exhaust fumes) 24 hours before the test.
Sample Collection: WHEN TO COLLECT
- Avoid collection: If you have active bleeding or if you are menstruating.
- Fasting: Recommended. Fast for at least 8 hours before sample collection.
- Collection Timing: Collect first-morning urine sample upon waking.