So, I finally got around to do the adrenal stress test from Genova Diagnostics. I collected four saliva samples throughout the day (when I woke up, around noon, 5 pm (17:00) and bedtime). I used the provided labels and wrote my name and sample number on each sample (sample 1 being the morning saliva etc). I filled in all the enclosed forms with the date clearly mentioned, and then DHL picked up the shipment for express delivery to the UK.
Now, Genova keeps contacting me. First, they wanted to know which sample was from the morning, midday etc, although that should be pretty clear from the numbers 1-4 and is also in line with the instructions received. Then, they got back to me and wanted to know on which day I collected the samples, although it's all mentioned in the attached forms.
I just saw a third missed call on my cellphone.
Honestly, is it supposed to be this complicated...? Has anyone else experienced problems with Genova?
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I haven't used Genova for about 4 years so have no recent experience. I always use Regenerus, less hassle as they email you direct when results are ready rather than having to go through TUK to obtain results.
Have you asked them why the information you provided isn't giving them the answers they need considering that you were careful to follow their instructions?
See my more detailed reply below. Yes, I asked them and they said yes, it's possible to do as instructed but they actually prefer everything to be even more precise...
Thanks for the tip about Regenerus, if it's possible to use them outside the UK I'll have them in mind next time.
Genova told me today that they cannot send results directly to patients but only to practitioners. I didn't go through a doctor but ordered mine through Smart Nutrition, so the results will be sent to them and then forwarded to me. Sounds a bit complicated, so it's good to know that there are other labs that will send you the results directly.
OK, so I called them, and wanted some clarifications as to the exact times. In the instructions, they give windows (7-9 am, 11 am-1 pm, 3-5 pm and 10 pm to midnight), but they wanted to know if I could be more precise than that...luckily, since it was only a couple of weeks ago, I still remembered the exact times. They said they prefer it to be as exact as possible, which makes sense, only it does not say so in the enclosed instructions.
At least they are thorough, but the procedure is not the easiest one to understand.
Ah yes, I forgot you're not in the UK, I remember now the question about courier etc.
They said they prefer it to be as exact as possible, which makes sense, only it does not say so in the enclosed instructions.
Well, isn't that just rather stupid. If they want the exact time they should provide a space to put the exact time - simples!!!
With Regenerus you don't put labels on the tubes, the tubes go in a bag and the bag has a printed section for each sample and you put the exact time/date you collected in that section. You also fill in a form and the same information goes on the form.
I don't know if Regenerus offer a service where you live but it's certainly worth asking.
Although Regnerus deal direct, if you mention ThyroidUK then TUK gets a donation.
If I ever use Regenerus, I'll be sure to mention ThyroidUK.
Genova's instructions aren't very clear...for instance, I found it strange that you can collect your morning saliva anytime between 7 and 9 am. Usually, it's recommended to spit into the tube as soon as you get up in the morning. By 9 am, most of us will have been up and moving around for a few hours which I'm sure will influence the test results in some way...also, if you collect the first sample at 9 am and the second at 11 am (possible according to their instructions), then you only leave a two hour timeframe between the two and that is not much if you only collect four samples in total...not sure I can recommend Genova for those reasons. From your description, Regenerus sounds more straightforward.
Forgot to say, the tubes that Regenerus provide have a different colour for each sample and those colours are printed on the polythene bag you put your samples in and record the date/time against each colour so there's no room for error.
The first sample is waking + 30 minutes - they stress the importance of the 30 minutes. You can stay in bed if you like, but it must be 30 minutes after waking.
The others say "Collect before lunch", "collect before dinner" and "collect right before bedtime, at least one hour after dinner", although you can see from their sample report that they categorise them as "Morning", "Noon", "Evening" and "Night" but they do record the collection time.
It seems as though the Regenerus test is possibly the better one, I hope they offer it outside of the UK so you can try them next time.
I came on here to look for advice for completing the Regenerus saliva test. My problem is that I waken many times during the night and early morning and sometimes I’m able to go back to sleep and other times I’m wide awake (could be as early as 3 or 4am). If I try to go back to sleep and don’t that will obviously affect my results. I assume it’s not suitable to do the test 30 mins after getting up.? Will I just have to get up at 4am and not go back to bed? I’m confused and sleep deprived. Any advice would be appreciated.
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I'm afraid I don't know, I think it would be best if you contacted Regenerus for advice.
I do have to get up in the night for the bathroom and sometimes I can't get back to sleep. If I was planning to do my saliva test on that day then if I hadn't got back off to sleep I wouldn't do the test and just do it on a day when I did go back to sleep.
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