The FDA also monitors blood-spot kits to ensure they are safe to use and manufactured in a safe environment. Check on the box of your test kit to make sure it comes from a reputable source. ZRT Industries is a lab that makes FDA-approved blood-spot tests. Count the first day of your period as day 1 of your cycle, then track the rest of the month to figure out when day 19 to 21 is. If you do not get a period, you can take your sample on any day of the month. If you do not get a period at all, you can use your blood-spot test kit any time that you’d like to. Your hormone levels will be the same no matter what time of the month it is. Before beginning the collection process, make sure your hands are clean. Wash them with soap and water, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds before rinsing. Pat your hands dry with a clean towel. The kit should come with an alcohol wipe to clean your finger. Remove it from the packaging and rub it on the inside tip of the finger you plan to prick, then allow your finger to dry. Take the cap off the lancet and place the tip of it up against the spot that you just sterilized. Press down on the lancet towards your finger until it clicks, which will stick your finger. The lancet is small, so it won’t hurt your finger too much. When you first see blood, wipe away the drop with the sterile gauze. Next, squeeze on your finger to bring out more blood. Place a drop on the collection card within one circle by touching the end of the drop to the card. Try not to touch the card with your finger. The blood should fill up at least 3/4 of each circle. Continue gently squeezing down towards your finger to pull out more blood. Add a drop for every circle on the card. If your blood slows down, rub the area with sterile gauze to help get it flowing again. Prick another finger in the same spot with the second lancet if the first one stops bleeding. Leave the card open to dry. It should dry for at least half an hour, but longer is better. You can let it dry overnight if you prefer. Don't close the flap until the blood has dried. Include your name, the date, and the time of day on the sample card. Then, pull the flap on the card over the blood spots. Package up the sample in the provided box and fill out the form that came with the package. Put it in the envelope, and apply the label to mail it back.  Mail your package within 55 days so the results aren’t skewed. You may get your results in the mail or by email, depending on the company. You may be testing for estrogen, testosterone, or other specific hormones requested by your doctor. Compare your results to the averages provided in your results sheet and talk to your doctor if you have any questions.

Summary:
Buy a reliable, FDA-approved kit. Take your sample on day 19 to 21 of your cycle if you get a period. Take your sample any day of the month if you don’t get a period. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Sterilize your finger with an alcohol wipe. Prick your finger with the lancet. Collect the sample by touching your blood to the card. Add a drop of blood on each circle of the card. Let the blood dry for at least 30 minutes. Label the card, then seal up and mail the sample. Find out your hormone levels based on your results.