Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions. We’ve gathered the most common questions from patients and practitioners to make your testing experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Here, you’ll find answers about:
- Specimen & Testing – collection, shipping, and turnaround times
- Food Sensitivity & Allergy Testing – what we test for and how to interpret common results
- Patient Services – ordering, insurance, and how to access your results
Click into any category below to get started. If you don’t see your question here, our Client Services team is happy to help at 206-209-4200 or info@meridianvalleylab.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Patient Services FAQ
How do I order lab tests?
Through your provider or self-order by going to our Direct-to-Consumer Shop or calling 855-405-TEST.
What tests may I order myself?
FoodSafe™ IgG4, allergy profiles, most blood/stool profiles, and some specialty tests.
What tests must my physician order?
All hormone profiles and cardiovascular WBV profile.
Where can I get pricing?
Contact MVL Customer Service (855-405-TEST) or your practitioner.
How long will it take to receive results?
Hormone: 3–4 weeks; CBC and routine panels: sooner; complex profiles: longer.
How will I receive results?
Direct to patient only if MVL account + payment. Otherwise sent to provider. Release form required for direct copy. HIPAA-compliant.
Can I talk to someone about my results?
Please review with your provider. MVL staff cannot provide medical advice, but Client Services can answer process/report questions.
Does MVL accept insurance or Medicare?
No. Payment is due at time of service. MVL is not contracted with insurers or Medicare.
Processing FAQ
What’s the turnaround time for results?
Allergy Testing: ~2 weeks
Urine Tests: ~3+ weeks
Quest bloodwork: 7–10 days
Special kits: varies
How long does my specimen remain stable?
Bloodspots: 30 days
24-Hr Urine: 7 days room / 2 weeks fridge / indefinite frozen
Dried Urine: 14–21 days
Allergy serum: 90 days
CBC: 48–72 hours (overnight shipping required)
Can my kit products or vials expire?
Yes. Always check vial expiration before collecting. Request replacements if expired.
What temperature is best for storing my specimen?
Room temp: Bloodspot, Serum (Allergy), Dried Urine
Refrigerated: 24-Hour Urine
What if my blood can’t be centrifuged?
No problem. Send the specimen — MVL staff will centrifuge on arrival.
What do the colored caps mean?
They match the original vials used by the phlebotomist to ensure correct transfer.
I forgot to return my requisition form. What should I do?
Email a photo of the form to info@meridianvalleylab.com.
My requisition form is missing information. Who should I contact?
Call Client Services at 206-209-4200.
Where can I go to get my blood drawn?
You can visit Any Lab Test Now! or your preferred local draw site.
Food Sensitivity & Allergy FAQ
What foods and allergens do you test for?
Panels cover dairy, grains, nuts, beans, vegetables, fruits, meats, seafood, spices, teas, and inhalants.
If I’m allergic to dairy, can I have lactose-free milk?
No. Lactose-free milk still contains dairy proteins.
If I’m allergic to casein or dairy, can I eat butter?
Often tolerated better (very little protein), but follow provider advice.
What about yogurt — why does it sometimes show up differently?
Fermentation alters proteins, producing different reactivity.
Do all peppers react the same?
Yes. Sensitivity to one pepper usually means cross-reactivity to others.
What age can children be tested?
Testing available from 6 months old (if breast-fed, test both mother and child).
Why do I react to foods I rarely eat?
Possible reasons: antibody memory, hidden ingredients, or cross-reactivity (e.g., milk & beef).
How soon after vaccines can I take the test?
We recommend waiting 6–8 weeks for accuracy.
24-Hour Urine Hormone Test FAQ
Click arrows or questions for answers to appear.
Collection Process
How long do I collect urine for this test?
You will collect all urine passed over a full 24-hour period, starting after your first morning void. Collect every sample until the same time the following morning, including that final sample.
What container should I use for collection?
Use the large orange container provided in your kit. Do not substitute other containers, as they may not preserve the sample properly.
What should I do if my urine volume is greater than the orange jug volume?
If your 24-hour urine exceeds the capacity of the orange MVL jug, you may use another clean plastic container (e.g., a distilled water jug or plastic pitcher). Do not use glass or milk jugs, as these may affect results. Keep all containers refrigerated during collection.
After the 24-hour collection is complete, mix the two containers together: carefully pour urine back and forth between the orange MVL jug and the additional water jug several times to fully homogenize the sample.
Then follow these steps:
- Record the volume within the orange jug.
- Fill the small vials using the well-mixed urine.
- Discard the remaining contents of the orange jug.
- Use the now-empty orange jug to measure the volume of the second container.
- Total volume = orange jug volume + second container volume
Do I need to refrigerate the urine?
Your orange collection jug contains a boric acid tablet as a preservative, so you do not need to refrigerate while you are doing your collection. If your container does not have the boric acid tablet, you will need to refrigerate the container and its contents throughout collection.
If you cannot mail your kit right away, keep the container refrigerated or in a cooler with ice to maintain specimen stability.
During Collection
Can I take medications or supplements during the test?
Continue medications as prescribed by your provider unless specifically instructed otherwise. Always note supplements and hormones you are taking on the requisition form.
What if I miss a sample during the 24 hours?
If a sample is missed, the test will not be accurate. You will need to restart the collection on a new day.
You may rinse out the orange jug with hot water (no soap) and let it air dry before starting again. If this happens, you will need to refrigerate the collection container between urine additions.
You may also contact your practitioner to receive a fresh kit.
After Collection
What should I do once the 24 hours are complete?
After collecting the final sample, seal the container tightly. Use the transfer supplies included in your kit to fill the smaller vial(s).
Make sure each vial is labeled clearly with:
- Your full name
- Your date of birth
- The collection date
- The total urine volume
How do I return my specimen?
Follow the shipping instructions in your kit. Place the vial(s), requisition form, and any additional paperwork into the provided shipping materials, then send via the carrier specified.
Other Questions
What happens if I cannot keep the specimen cold?
If refrigeration is not possible, the sample may degrade and results could be invalid. It’s essential to keep the specimen chilled once the collection is completed.
Who can I call if I have questions during my collection?
You can call MVL Client Services at 206-209-4200 for support during your collection. Our Client Services team is available Monday–Friday, 7:30am–5:30pm PT.
