RT3-Adrenals How to take blood tests

Many substances tested have diurnal variations, or are affected by

food or medication. Following are our recommendations for consistent

results that can be compared to each other.

Basic instructions

• Fast 12 hours, except for water (and HC for those who take it)

• Blood draw should be in the morning as close to 8 a.m. as possible

• Take meds and supplements normally on previous day up to 12 hours

prior

• Morning of the blood draw, drink extra water to prevent dehydration

• Hold meds and supplements (except for HC) until after the blood draw

Special requirements in addition to basic instructions

BMP or CMP

• Get blood drawn without a tourniquet

Note: A tourniquet can cause blood cells to break and release their potassium,

causing a falsely high result. If the phlebotomist absolutely refuses, ask for a

blood pressure cuff to be used rather than a rubber band.

Iron labs

• Discontinue iron and vitamin C for five days before the blood draw

Vitamin B12

• Discontinue B12 supplements for five days before the blood draw

Aldosterone

• Salt fast for 24 hours before testing (no sea salt supplementation, no

salt added to food, no beverages with sodium)

• Be up moving starting at 6 a.m.

• Do not take HC in the morning until after the blood draw

• Testing done at 8 a.m. sitting upright

• Test renin activity, sodium and potassium at the same time

• Pre-menopausal women test during first week of the cycle (day 3/4)

Estrogen and Progesterone for menstruating women

• Test between day 19 and 21 to see balance

• Test progesterone around day 21-23 to see peak

• Test estradiol around day 13-14 for peak

Doing