Step-by-Step Guide to the DUTCH Plus Test
DUTCH Plus
Guide by Herbaceous Naturopathy
Step-by-Step Guide to the DUTCH Plus Test
The DUTCH Plus test provides a comprehensive look at your hormones and adrenal health, including the Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR). Follow these simple steps to complete your test accurately.
1. Prepare for Your Test
✿ Choose a Stress-Free Day: Select a typical day without excessive stress, travel, or major schedule disruptions.
✿ Avoid Certain Substances (if possible, check with your practitioner):
Caffeine & alcohol (24 hours before)
High-intensity exercise (24 hours before)
Hormone supplements (check with your practitioner)
✿ Hydration: Drink water as usual but avoid excessive fluids.
2. Collect Your Saliva & Urine Samples
You will collect:
✿ 5 Saliva Samples throughout the day (for Cortisol Awakening Response)
✿ 4 Urine Samples throughout the day (for hormone & adrenal testing)
Saliva Collection (Cortisol Awakening Response - CAR)
✿ Immediately upon waking (before getting out of bed)
✿ 30 minutes after waking
✿ 60 minutes after waking
✿ Before dinner
✿ Before bed
✔ Tip: Set a timer to ensure accurate collection times.
Urine Collection (Dried Urine Samples - DUTCH Complete Panel)
✿ Second morning urine (not the first void)
✿ Afternoon urine sample
✿ Evening urine sample
✿ Before bed urine sample
✔ Tip: Use the provided test strips and allow them to dry completely before storing.
3. Store & Ship Your Samples
✿ Let urine samples dry completely before sealing them in the collection envelope.
✿ Store saliva samples in the freezer until all are collected.
✿ Follow the shipping instructions provided in your test kit and send your samples promptly.
4. Review Your Results with Tahlia
✿ Your results will be analysed by our qualified naturopath.
✿ Once ready, we’ll contact you to schedule a consultation where we’ll interpret your results and develop a personalised hormone-balancing plan.
