Yes but don't panic, we provide it. All accredited Australian pathology laboratory's require formal 'user' account creation for identification. This enables the laboratory to format the results using the correct 'reference range charts' to include multiple variables for both Age and Gender comparisons.
Generally speaking testing time is up to 10 working days. For more detailed information regarding testing time see here.
Very. Since the 1960's laboratories the world over have been furthering research into Salivaomics, the testing of saliva for hormone levels. Over time, technical advancement meant smaller concentrations of hormones could be detected. This was an early criticism of the use of saliva for testing hormones, prior to these technical 'leaps'.
Read more about Steroid Hormone Testing using Saliva here.
Liquid chromatography [LC], coupled with atmospheric pressure ionization-MS/MS, with the addition of electrospray ionization (ESI)-MS/MS, has been valued as a highly specific method in the analysis of salivary hormones.
Practical derivatization to enhance the detectability of hormones in ESI-MS/MS has come a long way, putting to bed previous criticisms with regard to microscale salivary hormone detection. Read more about Steroid hormone testing using saliva here.
Glossary:
- LC - Liquid chromatography
- ESI - Electrospray ionization
- MS/MS - Dual mass spectrometry
You can. All States now have access to Contact-Free-Testing.
Test kits purchased this way can be sent back to the laboratory using a supplied Express Post satchel. Using this option means that dropping the samples off at a collection centre is NOT required.
We now provide the ‘Measurement Unit Conversion Calculator’ with all results, and this can be used to convert results into various unit type.
High dose Vitamin B12 supplementation will affect Melatonin results. Advice on 'Obtaining a Clear Result' is provided with your test kit.
Important: It is important that you consult with your GP before ceasing use of any prescribed medicines.
Generally speaking, hormone testing is fine to do when using medicines but there are exceptions. Any supplements used to mimic the effects of hormones, and any steroid based medicines including corticosteroids, cortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisolone. will affect the results. HRT (MRT) treatment like DHEAs will obviously affect results and it is this effect people look to measure. New medicines, or brands of old ones, become available every day, and there is no conclusive list of medicines which interfere with any kind of human sample analysis.
Progesterone primarily, and Testosterone to a lesser extent are attributed the abbreviations P4 and T4 respectively, which is why the abbreviation has been used in the test result and comments (when required).
Primary aldosteronism arises when the adrenal glands overproduce the hormone aldosterone. This causes the body to retain sodium and lose potassium, triggering a spike in blood pressure.
Fortunately primary aldosteronism is treatable. This can involve prescription aldosterone-blocking medications known as mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, e.g. eplerenone and spironolactone. Changes to lifestyle in conjunction with treatment has been shown to further improve recovery time.
Yes, blood in the saliva, visible to the eye, will contaminate the sample and void the result. Check first by rinsing the mouth with fresh water and swilling into sink whilst observing for signs of blood in your saliva. Following this, wait 10 minutes and then provide your sample. If you have already used the tube, and now see blood within the saliva, it’s OK. Rinse the tube thoroughly in warm water (only), then place the tube on its side on a fresh paper towel. Wait a good 20 Minutes for it to dry before re using.
The testing of your saliva, blood or urine sample(s) is carried out by either one of two laboratories utilized by TestoChecker Hormone Test Kits right here in Australia. Australian Clinical Laboratories (ACL), and nutriPATH®, have set high standards applying best practice in accordance with Australian Government Department of Health, Best Practice Pathology Guidelines. Each accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities. Good laboratories allocate proportionally appropriate time to perform critical self analysis.
Prioritizing accuracy over haste in the pursuit of excellence. TestoChecker's decision to partner with these two trusted labs has proven to be the right decision.
Try closing your mouth and moving your teeth as if you are chewing. Take your time, and refer to the tips for saliva collection in the kit instructions.
It is Testosterone being tested using this test kit, and not Thyroxine. Thyroid hormones (TSH, FT4, FT3, RT3) cannot be tested from saliva. They are compounds of too great a Molecular Weight to pass across the membrane into the saliva.
Cut a lemon in half and inhale the smell of it. Try this a few times, and stay relaxed. If this does not work, squeeze 1 drop into the inside of the cheek. Move the mouth around, and have another try to produce the saliva.
Simply purchase more than one kit. Use each saliva kit and mail it back for testing when you choose. One of the advantages of saliva testing is that it allows for you to replicate the conditions under which the sample is provided, including the timing of your test, allowing for optimal consistency.
We suggest you take those results to see a local GP. It’s possible further investigation is required. It is possible that you have detected something your GP is unaware of and needs to know about. Another option is for you to re test the same hormones for clarification, whilst replicating the conditions to the best of your ability.
In men, the reproductive hormones can be measured at any time; however, in women it gets a bit more complicated!
– I have irregular menstrual cycles
It’s OK. Charts used to help you determine the ideal test date are provided with the Fertility Hormone Test Kits.
– I have regular menstrual cycles
The steroid hormones estradiol and progesterone regulate the menstrual cycle and therefore rise and fall at different phases. A typical menstrual cycle completes every 28 days.
Estradiol levels are extremely variable across the course of the menstrual cycle. Estradiol levels are at their lowest during menstruation (day 1-7) and then increase during the remaining follicular phase (8-14 days), peaking just prior to ovulation at day 14. Estradiol levels fall sharply post-ovulation but peak again during the luteal phase around day 21 (at the same time as the rise in progesterone) before declining once more prior to menstruation. Estradiol tests can be performed throughout the cycle but levels should be referenced against established typical ranges for the specific phase of the cycle in which testing was done.
Progesterone levels peak in the luteal phase following ovulation. A progesterone test should be performed at approximately day 21 of the cycle (21 days after the beginning of the last period) to capture peak secretion of this hormone.
Testosterone (and other androgen) levels do not vary much over the menstrual cycle but may increase slightly around ovulation.
Yes, however, if you plan on removing the IUD, at least 1 month should pass before using the TestoChecker Kit.
Testing can occur at any time of month. If using topical (applied to the skin) HRT or supplementation, saliva testing should not occur on the same day as this may give false results.
Yes, but the following information should be taken into account. Hormone medication such as DHEAs, progesterone and estrogens known as bio-identical hormones, will interfere with the test results no matter what form they are used in. The results will reveal your current levels. If you are either starting or ceasing HRT ie: cream, gel, troche, pessary, it is recommended that you wait 3 to 4 days before using the TestoChecker Kit.
If using hormonal birth control, such as oral contraceptives, then the sex hormones will be suppressed to prevent ovulation. This means that the timing of hormone testing can occur at any time. If oral contraceptives are ceased it is recommended to wait until the second cycle before testing sex hormone levels. Test results for the hormones cortisol and melatonin are not affected.
Yes, however you may require written authority by a guardian. If you seek pre-approval by the testing laboratory, we can process the request on your behalf prior to ordering. Get in touch via the Contact Page.