Women's Health Collection Tips

When should I collect my Women's Health Test sample?

Day 1 of your menstrual cycle is the first day of full flow (not spotting). 

For regular cycles of any length that occur most months, you will complete two collections. 

• Collect blood on day 3-4 
• Collect blood and saliva on day 21 of the same cycle (for 28 day cycles) or about 7 days before you expect your next period for short or long cycles, based on your usual pattern
• Whenever possible, try to complete all collections in the same cycle

If you have fewer than 3 periods per year or your cycles are very unpredictable, you may collect all samples (both blood cards and all 4 saliva tubes) on a single day when you are not bleeding.

If you experience extremely irregular cycles, very heavy bleeding, or significant pain, we recommend discussing timing and diagnostic options with your healthcare provider before collecting.

What if I experience spotting during my cycle?

Women who have spotting during their cycles should still collect their samples according to the directions for their cycle type. 

What if I do not have a cycle?

Women who do not have a menstrual cycle can collect all of their samples on the same day. This would include women with a hysterectomy, amenorrhea, or uterine/endometrial ablation.

Common Collection Questions

Does it matter if I do the second collection first?

Unless you have a very long menstrual cycle (>40 days), you should collect the day 3 samples first to avoid sample expiration. That means you should wait until your next cycle begins (first day of full flow) and collect the first blood card on day 3 (preferred) or day 4. The second collection will be according to your cycle type. Make sure to properly label your samples with the collection dates and carefully fill out the lab form including the section relevant to your cycle type.

Oh no! I forgot to collect all of my saliva samples at the right time/on the same day!

Don’t worry, just rinse out your saliva sample with water and then re-collect your sample tomorrow. If today was day 21 of your cycle, it will be fine to collect your sample on day 22.

I collected my first sample, but completely forgot to collect the second sample this cycle!

If today is only one day past the expected collection date for your cycle type, it will be okay to collect tomorrow. However, if you have completely missed the collection window based on your cycle type then please do not collect the rest of the sample and reach out to the Customer Experience Team who can provide guidance on what to do next. 

If you have not yet purchased a Women's Health Test, you can do so here.