Quick answer
Collect five urine samples on filter paper over 24 hours using the DUTCH Complete kit, then mail them to the lab for a comprehensive hormone and melatonin profile.
Why timing and consistency matter
Hormone levels fluctuate throughout the day, so collecting samples at the right times gives a complete picture of your adrenal and sex hormone patterns. The DUTCH Complete test measures both hormones and their metabolites, which helps identify where imbalances originate.
What the kit includes and what you need to supply
Your DUTCH Complete kit contains filter paper collection cards, a urine collection hat, gloves, and a prepaid return envelope. You will need a clock or timer and a clean, dry surface to lay out the cards. Do not use the kit if the packaging is damaged or the collection cards appear wet.
How to use the DUTCH Complete test: step-by-step
- 1. Prepare your collection schedule: Choose a typical day when you are not traveling or sick. Write the date and time for each of the five collections on the card labels: upon waking, 30 minutes after waking, mid-afternoon, before dinner, and before bed. Set phone reminders so you do not miss a window. Missing a collection window is the most common error. If you miss one, contact the lab before continuing.
- 2. Collect the first morning sample: As soon as you wake up, urinate directly onto the filter paper card or use the collection hat. Saturate the circle completely but do not oversaturate. Let the card air-dry for at least 30 minutes on a clean surface before storing it in the foil pouch. Do not use the first morning urine for the 'upon waking' sample—it should be the urine you produce right after waking.
- 3. Collect the 30-minute post-waking sample: Set a timer for 30 minutes after your first collection. Do not eat or drink anything except water during this time. Urinate onto a new card, saturate the circle, and air-dry as before. Caffeine, food, or exercise before this sample can skew cortisol results. Stick to water only.
- 4. Collect the mid-afternoon, pre-dinner, and bedtime samples: For the mid-afternoon sample, collect between 2:00 and 4:00 PM. For pre-dinner, collect right before your evening meal. For bedtime, collect right before you go to sleep. Each goes on a separate card. Air-dry each card fully before sealing. If you forget to label a card with the exact time, the lab may not be able to interpret the circadian rhythm data. Write the time immediately after collection.
- 5. Package and mail the samples: Once all five cards are completely dry (no dampness), place them in the foil pouches, seal each pouch, and put them in the prepaid return envelope. Mail the package on the same day you finish collecting, or store it in a cool, dry place and mail the next business day. Do not refrigerate or freeze the cards. Moisture from condensation can ruin the samples. Keep them at room temperature.
Product facts
-
DUTCH COMPLETE™: The DUTCH Complete test offers an extensive profile of sex and adrenal hormones and melatonin, along with their metabolites. This depth helps you see not just current hormone levels but how your body processes them, revealing root causes of symptoms like fatigue or mood swings.
DUTCH COMPLETE™
