Patient Preparation

I am currently taking vitamin supplements. Do I need to stop taking them to get accurate results on a nutritional or metabolic analysis?

No. The testing will reveal your current total body nutrient status,and identify if supplements are at adequate levels. However, it is best to consult your clinician as some doctors like to discontinue supplements prior to testing.

Will prescription drugs I may be taking affect the test results?

If you routinely take medication and want to evaluate its effects, continue to take the medication when you collect for the test. If the medication you are taking is related to your testing, its impact should be seen on the results. If you choose to cease your regimen please be aware that we cannot know for certain how long it will take for the medication to clear your system. This might make your results more difficult for your clinician to interpret. Always consult your prescribing physician first. This information is also applicable to supplements, diet, and exercise.* There are some tests that will be affected by certain medications. Please consult your kit instructions for specific information.

I was supposed to fast overnight for my test, but this morning I forgot and had some coffee and juice. Should I reschedule the blood draw?

It would be best to reschedule the blood draw. A small cup of black coffee may be okay, but juice or anything that supplies calories may alter the results.

What will happen if I drink too much water the day before collecting my urine?

Urine tests that require a reduction in fluid intake do so because the results depend on a concentrated urine specimen. If the specimen is too dilute, the laboratory will have to reject the specimen because the results will not be accurate. The requirements for fluid restriction are provided in the kit instructions. We ask that you follow the instructions to the best of your ability and use your best judgment. For example, a patient that exercises in the course of their day will lose fluids through sweating and they might need more than the reduced level recommended in the instructions.
*Do not allow yourself to become overly dehydrated for the purposes of collecting a concentrated specimen.

How do I collect an overnight or first morning urine specimen from an infant?

The best way to do this is by using a pediatric collection bag which is available upon request. They are automatically included in the Pediatric ION kit.

My kit did not come with a container to collect my urine. What should I do?

If you are doing a test that requires a 24 hr. urine collection, please contact Metametrix client services department and we will send you the 24hr collection jug. For first morning and overnight urine collections a special container is not required. The container used, however, should be thoroughly clean but does not need to be sterile.

I am looking for a laboratory or phlebotomist to draw my blood. Where should I go?

We recommend that you speak with your clinician or clinician's office staff first, as many times they will know where to send you. Alternately, we do have a limited list of laboratories or phlebotomists willing to provide Metametrix blood draws for some areas.  Please contact Client Services at 800-221-4640 for further information. Also, you may look in your local telephone book or online for laboratories in your local area (LabCorp, Quest Diagnostic, hospital lab, etc.). Call them first and let them know you have a kit which includes all specimen collection materials, instructions, and prepaid shipping materials but you need a laboratory with a centrifuge to conduct the blood draw.