No, please note that many of our labs are processed in different laboratories and therefore the samples CANNOT be combined when shipping back to the lab for processing. Please see each individual kit instructions for how and where to mail each sample back. Do NOT combine multiple samples into one box or envelope.
If you send the incorrect sample to the incorrect lab please contact us, but we cannot promise that you will be able to get a replacement lab at that time.
Once your test results are ready, you will receive an email from our scheduling team with a link to register for our telehealth portal EquiLife Health Coach. We use this portal for all communication, and it’s where your 30 minute appointment will take place. This email will include detailed instructions for how to schedule your call, fill out the necessary forms and join your call at the time of your meeting.
Yes, once you have set up your EquiLife Health Coach account you will have access to all of the necessary forms to complete prior to your appointment. We highly recommend completing the intake form as it provides your coach with important information to make the most of your call. If you have recently filled out an intake form you do not need to do it again, unless information has changed.
Please visit our Lab Instructions page to view instructions for all lab kits.
Please email us at scheduling@equi.life and we will send you a PDF to easily print at home and fill out.
Yes, your coaching call cannot be completed until all lab results included in that call are ready. This is to ensure that our team and provide the most comprehensive review and wellness recommendations for you.
You can typically use the funds to pay for or reimburse yourself for any qualified medical expenses that your insurance didn’t cover. Eligible expenses vary from plan to plan. Consult your plan directly to determine if the expense will be covered.
If you still have questions after reading through the Lab Instructions and this FAQ page, we are here to help!
You can contact us at support@equi.life for general questions.
If you have a more specific question about your sample collection you may reach out to the lab directly to better guide you - each instruction sheet has the contact information available to get your questions answered promptly!
We highly recommend reading through all instructions thoroughly before planning the day of your collection to make sure you are prepared and don’t have additional questions.
A few tips:
-Hydrate with plenty of water (2-4 eight-ounce cups) a few hours prior to collection
-If there are certain foods you are specifically curious about testing, you can eat them 2-3 days prior to collection the sample (however, the test will still pick up other foods that have not been eaten)
No, there are no specific things to be avoided prior to taking this sample.
*see faqs on blood-thinners and immune suppressants below
Since this lab is testing for an IgG reaction, if you are on immunosuppressants the results will not be accurate and we do not recommend using this lab at this time.
Please discuss with your healthcare provider if you are taking blood-thinning medications or if you have a blood clotting disorder.
Yes.
At this time, New York State laws prohibit the collection of specimens such as used in this test. If you live nearby another state in which you can place your order and collect in, we suggest this as a possible option to complete the test.
Five full blood spots (circles) are required in order to run the test (see example photos provided in the lab instructions). Completely fill all five spots. Once dried, DO NOT place additional drops on the same circle.
If more blood is needed, wipe with an alcohol pad again and massage finger to assist blood flow. Be sure to use the additional lancets provided as each lancet is for one-time use only.
Please contact the lab directly to help troubleshoot if you have used all lancets and still have not been able to fill all circles: (+1) 800-288-0383 / customerservice@gpl4u.com
Make sure to fill out all information (print clearly) on the requisition form and the blood spot card.
Bend the card to allow the blood spots to air dry at room temperature for 3-8 hours. Avoid touching or smearing the blood spots. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Do not stack or allow DBS card to touch other surfaces while drying.
The sample will remain viable for up to 21 days, so it must reach the lab by this time. If you cannot send the sample right away, make sure it is stored away from light in a cool area, otherwise placing the card in the refrigerator is recommended.
Place all contents & forms back in the pre-paid envelope and call for pickup: 1-800-463-3339 (mention you have a prepaid overnight envelope). Do NOT put kits in a FedEx drop box.
In general, we recommend retesting no sooner than 4 months after following the recommendations provided by your health coach.
*If you have completed any gut-based protocol and are following with the CBO Finisher/Gut Rebuilding Protocol, we recommend testing after 3 months on the Gut Rebuilding protocol.
Blood Spot Collection Video: https://youtu.be/LMgNkMwicZg
*this is not the exact test but still a good example of how to collect a blood spot sample
We highly recommend reading through all instructions thoroughly before planning the day of your collection to make sure you are prepared and don’t have additional questions.
Please avoid the following 48 hours before collecting your urine sample: apples, grapes, pears, cranberries (whole and juice products). Also avoid arabinogalactan, echinacea, reishi mushrooms, ribose supplements, and other vitamins/minerals unless necessary
If you wake up to urinate during the night, please collect all urine in a mason jar or Tupperware sealed container and place in the refrigerator. You will then add all of your morning urine to that jar before pouring out the minimum 30ml into the sample cup to mail in.
Urine must be yellow in color. If urine is clear the sample is too diluted. Discard diluted sample, rinse the collection cup in hot water only (no soap), air dry, then re-collect.
For further troubleshooting, if your urine is too diluted after following these recommendations, please contact the lab directly: (+1) 800-288-0383 / customerservice@gpl4u.com
No, please wait until your menstrual cycle is complete before collecting urine sample to ensure it is not contaminated.
Yes, however, please note that some recommended protocols (depending on results) may not be safe to use during pregnancy. Detoxing is not safe during pregnancy or nursing.
At this time, New York State laws prohibit the collection of specimens such as used in this test. If you live nearby another state in which you can place your order and collect in, we suggest this as a possible option to complete the test.
If completing the CBO Protocol, we recommend testing after 3 months on the Gut Rebuilding protocol.
For best results, please run the OAT a few weeks after you have completed the Parasite Protocol.
Antimicrobials should be discontinued So please save your lab kit, complete the 6 week Parasite Protocol and after a few weeks, you can collect your urine sample and do the Organic Acids Test.
Urine Sample Collection Video: https://vimeo.com/326358710
Yes, please freeze urine specimen for a minimum of 4 hours before shipping.
Place frozen urine specimen(s) into the biohazard zip-lock bag along with the absorbent packing sheet. Place the frozen gel pack and urine sample(s) into the silver thermo bag.
Place the silver thermo bag into the box. Fold and place the completed TRF in the box and close the lid.
Place the box in the FedEx Clinical Pak.
Note: The urine sample MUST be in the cardboard box or the shipment will be rejected by FedEx.and call for pickup: 1-800-463-3339 (mention you have a prepaid overnight envelope). *Do NOT put kits in a FedEx drop box.
*Be sure to ship on a Monday-Wednesday so it reaches the lab before the weekend, as the lab cannot accept shipments over the weekends
You are responsible for arranging shipping and associated costs back to the lab. Please contact your local post office to find the most appropriate way to send internationally, tracking is recommended. The sample should be frozen (freezer pack included) and reach the lab within 5 days of sending in order to remain viable.
*Note: The lab does not access packages on weekend so make sure it will arrive on a weekday
Shipping Address:
The Great Plains Laboratory, Inc.
11813 West 77th Street
Lenexa, KS 66214 USA
We highly recommend reading through all instructions thoroughly before planning the day of your collection to make sure you are prepared and don’t have additional questions.
If you wake up to urinate during the night, please collect all urine in a mason jar or Tupperware sealed container and place in the refrigerator. You will then add all of your morning urine to that jar before pouring out the minimum 30ml into the sample cup to mail in.
Suspendisse feugiat. Fusce commodo aliquam arcu. Phasellus leo dolor, tempus non, auctor et, hendreUrine must be yellow in color. If urine is clear the sample is too diluted. Discard diluted sample, rinse the collection cup in hot water only (no soap), air dry, then re-collect.
For further troubleshooting, if your urine is too diluted after following these recommendation, please contact the lab directly: (+1) 800-288-0383 / customerservice@gpl4u.com
No, please wait until your menstrual cycle is complete before collecting urine sample to ensure it is not contaminated.
At this time, New York State laws prohibit the collection of specimens such as used in this test. If you live nearby another state in which you can place your order and collect in, we suggest this as a possible option to complete the test.
If completing the CBO Protocol, we recommend testing after 3 months on the Gut Rebuilding protocol.
Yes, however, please note that some recommended protocols (depending on results) may not be safe to use during pregnancy. Detoxing is not safe during pregnancy or nursing.
Avoid binders such as charcoal or bentonite clay for 72 hours.
Fasting for 12 hours may increase the excretion of mycotoxins from the adipose tissue. (Not required)
Yes, please freeze urine specimen for a minimum of 4 hours before shipping.
Place frozen urine specimen(s) into the biohazard zip-lock bag along with the absorbent packing Place the frozen gel pack and urine sample(s) into the silver thermo bag.
Place the silver thermo bag into the box. Fold and place the completed TRF in the box and close the lid.
Place the box in the FedEx Clinical Pak.
Note: The urine sample MUST be in the cardboard box or the shipment will be rejected by FedEx.and call for pickup: 1-800-463-3339 (mention you have a prepaid overnight envelope). *Do NOT put kits in a FedEx drop box.
*Be sure to ship on a Monday-Wednesday so it reaches the lab before the weekend, as the lab cannot accept shipments over the weekends
You are responsible for arranging shipping and associated costs back to the lab. Please contact your local post office to find the most appropriate way to send internationally, tracking is recommended. The sample should be frozen (freezer pack included) and reach the lab within 5 days of sending in order to remain viable.
*Note: The lab does not access packages on weekend so make sure it will arrive on a weekday
Shipping Address:
The Great Plains Laboratory, Inc.
11813 West 77th Street
Lenexa, KS 66214 USA
We highly recommend reading through all instructions thoroughly before planning the day of your collection to make sure you are prepared and don’t have additional questions.
If you wake up to urinate during the night, please collect all urine in a mason jar or Tupperware sealed container and place in the refrigerator. You will then add all of your morning urine to that jar before pouring out the minimum 30ml into the sample cup to mail in.
Urine must be yellow in color. If urine is clear the sample is too diluted. Discard diluted sample, rinse the collection cup in hot water only (no soap), air dry, then re-collect.
For further troubleshooting, if your urine is too diluted after following these recommendations, please contact the lab directly: (+1) 800-288-0383 / customerservice@gpl4u.com
No, please wait until your menstrual cycle is complete before collecting urine sample to ensure it is not contaminated.
At this time, New York State laws prohibit the collection of specimens such as used in this test. If you live nearby another state in which you can place your order and collect in, we suggest this as a possible option to complete the test.
If completing the CBO Protocol, we recommend testing after 3 months on the Gut Rebuilding protocol.
Yes, however, please note that some recommended protocols (depending on results) may not be safe to use during pregnancy. Detoxing is not safe during pregnancy or nursing.
No, there are no specific things to be avoided prior to taking your urine sample for this test.
Limit liquid intake starting at 6pm the night prior to collection to avoid sample dilution. Urine must be yellow in color. If urine is clear the sample is too diluted. Discard diluted sample, rinse the collection cup in hot water only (no soap), air dry, then re-collect.
Urine Sample Collection Video: https://vimeo.com/326358710
Yes, please freeze urine specimen for a minimum of 4 hours before shipping.
Place frozen urine specimen(s) into the biohazard zip-lock bag along with the absorbent packing Place the frozen gel pack and urine sample(s) into the silver thermo bag.
Place the silver thermo bag into the box. Fold and place the completed TRF in the box and close the lid.
Place the box in the FedEx Clinical Pak.
Note: The urine sample MUST be in the cardboard box or the shipment will be rejected by FedEx.and call for pickup: 1-800-463-3339 (mention you have a prepaid overnight envelope). *Do NOT put kits in a FedEx drop box.
*Be sure to ship on a Monday-Wednesday so it reaches the lab before the weekend, as the lab cannot accept shipments over the weekends
How do I mail my sample back (International)?
You are responsible for arranging shipping and associated costs back to the lab. Please contact your local post office to find the most appropriate way to send internationally, tracking is recommended. The sample should be frozen (freezer pack included) and reach the lab within 5 days of sending in order to remain viable.
*Note: The lab does not access packages on weekend so make sure it will arrive on a weekday
Shipping Address:
The Great Plains Laboratory, Inc. 11813 West 77th Street. Lenexa, KS 66214, USA
We highly recommend reading through all instructions thoroughly before planning the day of your collection to make sure you are prepared and don’t have additional questions.
Head hair is taken from the nape of the neck (in several small selections so as not to leave
any noticeable patches)
Although head hair does provide the best sample, if that is not an option, you can still gather a sample from underarm or pubic hair. Samples from these areas may represent a longer time period of data than head hair since it does not grow as steady. Do not mix samples from different areas of the body.
If you have dyed your hair, we recommend waiting at least 6 weeks before taking a sample.
Place the hair sample into the sampling envelope provided, enclose it and make sure to fill out all information on the envelope and requisition form. Place all contents (form and sample envelope) into the mailing envelope provided. Attach a US stamp, write your return address and place in a local mailbox for pickup.
*if the envelope provided has ripped at all, please use tape to ensure proper delivery.
You are responsible for arranging mailing and associated costs back to the lab. Please contact your local post office to find the most appropriate way to
send internationally (tracking recommended)
Shipping Address: 2225 West Alice Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85021 USA
Since it takes a long time for the changes happening within the body to be represented in the hair, we recommend waiting a minimum of 8 months before retesting. If you are completing a Heavy Metal Detox, we recommend waiting 8 months after completing this protocol to retest. Generally, it is great to retest once per year.
Your form should be prefilled, but in the event it is not - please check off the following:
-Part 3: Select “Profile 1”
-Part 4: Select “Do not send supplements”
Please fill out your symptoms based on the last month.
If your questions have not been answered by reading the instructions or this FAQ page, please contact the lab directly for further assistance:
1-602-995-1580 / 1-800-528-4067 (Toll-Free)
Email: service@arltma.com
Place the hair sample into the sampling envelope provided, enclose it and make
sure to fill out all the information on the envelope and requisition form.
Place all contents (form and sample envelope with hair sample) into the mailing envelope provided.
Attach a US stamp and your return address and place in your local mailbox
*if the envelope has ripped at all, please use tape to ensure proper delivery (or a new envelope)
You are responsible for arranging mailing and associated costs
back to the lab. Please contact your local post office to find the most appropriate way to
send internationally (tracking recommended)
Shipping Address:
Analytical Research Labs, Inc.
2225 W. Alice Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85021
We highly recommend reading through all instructions thoroughly before planning the day of your collection to make sure you are prepared and don’t have additional questions.
Men, Children, and Non-menstruating Women:
Collect your sample at any time, on a normal stress day
Women:
Regular Cycles: Collect on day 19, 20, or 21 of the menstrual cycle (Day 1 = first day of
your period)
Irregular Cycles: If you know when your period will start (based on symptoms), choose 5 days before
Unpredictable: Collect any day when not bleeding
*Contact the lab to discuss best timing if unsure: 866-600-1636 (US) / 1-503-466-2445 (International)
We recommend collecting samples on a normal stress day - upon waking, 12:00 pm, 3:00-4:00 pm, and Before Bed
Do not eat, drink (except water), or brush teeth at least 2 hours prior to collections.
Yes, you can still do this lab if on hormones. Please refer to #2 on the lab instructions (included in your kit) for specifics for those using hormones.
You can take this test while pregnant, however, hormone levels change during pregnancy so these may not represent baseline hormone levels. We recommend waiting until after breastfeeding and nursing to gather baseline hormone levels.
Yes. Use care if you are applying hormones topically with your hands. Topical hormones can concentrate in the fingers when hormones are applied with the hands, resulting in false high results.
It may take 12-24 hours for the hormones in the hands to equilibrate with other tissues in the body. Therefore, when using topical hormones, rub them in without using fingers (e.g. wrist to wrist) for at least 2 days prior to collection. Refrain from using anti-aging creams that may contain hormone traces. It is important to continue to use the hormones as usual during this time; just avoid hand exposure.
For additional information on collection when using hormones, see the Blood Spot Testing Collection Instructions in your test kit.
Some tips for increasing saliva production:
-Swish water around in mouth 5-minutes before collecting the sample.
-Also, smell food or cut a lemon in half and sniff to produce more saliva.
Saliva samples are viable for up to 30 days.
*We highly recommend sending your sample right away if possible to make sure the same reaches the lab with plenty of time.
If you cannot send right away, we recommend freezing the saliva sample and making sure the blood spot sample is stored in a cool, dry area away from light (may place in the fridge if needed).
Place all contents & forms back in the plastic test kit box and then place in the return
packaging provided (see instructions for specific packaging).
Attach the pre-paid UPS shipping label and drop off at your nearest UPS location
You are responsible for arranging shipping and associated costs
back to the lab. Please contact your local post office to find the most appropriate way to
send internationally (tracking recommended)
Shipping Address:
ZRT Laboratory
8605 SW Creekside Place
Beaverton, OR 97008
We highly recommend reading through all instructions thoroughly before planning the day of your collection to make sure you are prepared and don’t have additional questions.
Men, Children, and Non-menstruating Women:
Collect your sample at any time, on a normal stress day
Women:
Regular Cycles: Collect on day 19, 20, or 21 of the menstrual cycle (Day 1 = first day of
your period)
Irregular Cycles: If you know when your period will start (based on symptoms), choose 5 days before
Unpredictable: Collect any day when not bleeding
*Contact the lab to discuss best timing if unsure: 866-600-1636 (US) / 1-503-466-2445 (International)
We recommend collecting samples on a normal stress day - upon waking, 12:00 pm, 3:00-4:00 pm, and Before Bed
Do not eat, drink (except water), or brush teeth at least 2 hours prior to collections.
Yes, you can still do this lab if on hormones. Please refer to #2 on the lab instructions (included in your kit) for specifics for those using hormones.
You can take this test while pregnant, however, hormone levels change during pregnancy so these may not represent baseline hormone levels. We recommend waiting until after breastfeeding and nursing to gather baseline hormone levels.
Yes. Use care if you are applying hormones topically with your hands. Topical hormones can concentrate in the fingers when hormones are applied with the hands, resulting in false high results.
It may take 12-24 hours for the hormones in the hands to equilibrate with other tissues in the body. Therefore, when using topical hormones, rub them in without using fingers (e.g. wrist to wrist) for at least 2 days prior to collection. Refrain from using anti-aging creams that may contain hormone traces. It is important to continue to use the hormones as usual during this time; just avoid hand exposure.
For additional information on collection when using hormones, see the Blood Spot Testing Collection Instructions in your test kit.
Some tips for increasing saliva production:
-Swish water around in mouth 5-minutes before collecting the sample.
-Also, smell food or cut a lemon in half and sniff to produce more saliva.
If more blood is needed, wipe with an alcohol pad again and massage finger to assist blood flow. Be sure to use the additional lancets provided as each lancet is for one-time use only.
Please contact the lab directly to help troubleshoot if you have used all lancets and still have not been able to fill all circles: 866-600-1636 (US) / 1-503-466-2445 (International)
Saliva samples are viable for up to 30 days.
Blood spot samples are viable up for up to 45 days.
*We highly recommend sending your sample right away if possible to make sure the same reaches the lab with plenty of time.
If you cannot send right away, we recommend freezing the saliva sample and making sure the blood spot sample is stored in a cool, dry area away from light (may place in the fridge if needed).
Please see the following page:
https://www.zrtlab.com/patients/how-to-collect-your-sample/?utm_source=Right_Pod
Place all contents & forms back in the plastic test kit box and then place in the return
packaging provided (see instructions for specific packaging).
Attach the pre-paid UPS shipping label and drop off at your nearest UPS location
You are responsible for arranging shipping and associated costs
back to the lab. Please contact your local post office to find the most appropriate way to
send internationally (tracking recommended)
Shipping Address:
ZRT Laboratory
8605 SW Creekside Place
Beaverton, OR 97008
We highly recommend reading through all instructions thoroughly before planning the day of your collection to make sure you are prepared and don’t have additional questions.
No, you may continue eating and taking supplements as normal. Please just note if currently taking additional omega supplements so you can share with your health coach upon review of your results.
Yes
If more blood is needed, wipe with an alcohol pad again and massage finger to assist blood flow. Be sure to use the additional lancets provided as each lancet is for one-time use only.
Please contact the lab directly to help troubleshoot if you have used all lancets and still have not been able to fill all circles: (+1) 888-630-6634 / info@LipidLab.com
Blood Spot Collection Video: https://youtu.be/LMgNkMwicZg
*this is not the exact test but still a good example of how to collect a blood spot sample
Place all contents & forms back in the envelope, attach a stamp and fill out your return address, then simply place in the mail.
You are responsible for arranging shipping and associated costs
back to the lab. Please contact your local post office to find the most appropriate way to
send internationally, tracking is recommended. Sample should reach the lab within 21
days of collection (transit time does not matter as long as it reaches the lab within this
time frame)
Shipping Address:
Lipid Technologies, LLC
PO Box 216
Austin, MN 55912
*If you cannot send to a PO Box, please use the following address:
Doug Bibus
1600 19th Ave SW
Austin, MN 55912
We highly recommend reading through all instructions thoroughly before planning the day of your collection to make sure you are prepared and don’t have additional questions.
On Collection days:
• Do not use any bulk laxatives or enemas to assist bowel movements during the period in
which you are collecting samples
• Over-the-counter glycerin rectal suppositories may be used
For 5 days prior to your sample collection, please restrict the following:
• Mineral oils
• Non-absorbable anti-diarrheal preparations
• Bismuth (e.g. Pepto Bismol)
• Chewable or liquid antacids (e.g. Tums)
• Castor oil
• Liquid petrolatum
• Anything being used to mask symptoms (including probiotics and herbs)
For 2 weeks prior to your sample collection, please restrict the following:
• Discontinue any antibiotic, anti-parasitic, anti-malarial, or anti-fungal medication
• Avoid barium sulfate (if undergoing any recent radiological examination)
No, the days you collect your samples need not be consecutive, but you will want to keep in mind that once collected the samples that are kept at room temperature are only viable for testing up to 20 days from the date of collection. The frozen vial remains viable for several months.
Stool samples held at room temperature will be viable for testing up to 20 days from the date of collection. The frozen vial remains viable for several months.
Enemas should be avoided for at least two weeks prior to collecting your samples. Enemas would purge a high concentration of organisms, reducing the chances of detecting them during testing.
Yes, however, please note that some recommended protocols (depending on results) may not be safe to use during pregnancy. Detoxing is not safe during pregnancy or nursing.
Your form should be prefilled, but in the event it is not - please check off the following:
-Profile: 401H
No, all of the other vials should be kept at room temperature. The other vials contain preservatives that may be altered if frozen or refrigerated for a long period of time.
Overfilling the vials may cause the contents to leak during shipment. If your sample, together with the preservatives in the vials, rises just slightly above the red line, that is fine.
However, if the level is closer to the top of the vial please contact us to request a new collection vial. (*International shipping charges may apply)
To ensure that samples are received within the two-day recommended shipping time, samples must only be shipped on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday.
Place all contents & forms back in the test kit box (refer to your instructions for how to pack your sample) and place in the return packaging provided.
Attach the pre-paid UPS shipping label and drop off at your nearest UPS location.
Shipping Address:
BioHealth
23900 Hawthorne Blvd
Suite 150
Torrance, CA 90505
