FAQ Home tests
Here you will find the most frequently asked questions about sampling, shipping and diagnostics.
Questions about shipping
How long does the shipment to the laboratory take?
The sample is sent to our partner laboratories via Deutsche Post. As a rule, the samples arrive there within 1 to 2 working days.
If the shipment takes place over the weekend or between public holidays, the shipment may be delayed.
What is the shelf life of the samples?
The majority of our sampling kits are based on dried blood and urine samples. Both sample types are very stable and easy to perform at home, making them perfect for home diagnostics.
Dried blood samples: Can be shipped without additional refrigeration. The cards have a proven high stability for a wide range of analytes.
Which countries do you ship to?
We currently ship our sampling kits to France, Italy, Poland, Netherlands and Spain.
Where can I hand in my sample?
As soon as the sample is securely sealed in the pre-paid postage bag, the sample can simply be dropped into the nearest Deutsche Post letterbox.
Questions about sampling and the set
What components does a home test contain?
The DoctorBox offers different sampling kits designed for home use depending on the analyte, but the scheme is always the same.
Each kit contains a medium for taking a sample, such as a dry blood card, a urine collection kit and a tube for a stool sample.
For some kits, we also add aids to make taking the sample as easy as possible. All kits contain instructions, a test ID and a pre-paid postage bag, and we have also listed the components of the kits in pictures on the respective product page.
Do I have to fill all the "circles" on the dry blood card with blood?
It is important for the analysis that sufficient sample material is available to carry out the analysis.
It is therefore important that all five circles on the dry blood card are completely saturated with blood.
Please also check the reverse side to ensure that it is completely saturated.
Who are the sampling kits not suitable for?
The DoctorBox home tests must not be used:
- If you are not yet of legal age/adult (from 18 years of age)
- If you have problems looking at or drawing blood
Then carry out the collection in the presence of another adult or have the collection carried out by medical professionals.
You should only use the DoctorBox home tests after consulting your doctor if:
- you suffer from a bleeding tendency or coagulation disorder or are taking anticoagulant medication
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding. In this case, the reference values may differ.
The home tests are otherwise completely safe as long as all the material is used only for its intended purpose.
Questions about the diagnosis and the result
How do I get my test result?
You will receive the result in the DoctorBox app.
Simply install the free "DoctorBox" app. You can find it in the Apple or Google Play Store.
After you have completed the registration process, go to "Home test" in the menu and then to "Test result". Select the correct test and scan the barcode on the dried blood card.
Your test is now recorded in the DoctorBox app, so you will be informed within the app when the result is available.
How does a dry blood test work?
A dried blood test (also known as a dried blood spot test, DBS) is a method of sample collection and analysis in which a small amount of blood is dripped onto a special filter paper and dried.
This method is used in various medical and diagnostic fields, including metabolic disorders, infectious diseases and therapeutic drug screening.
In the laboratory, the dried blood samples are cut out with a hole punch or a scalpel. The cut-out parts of the filter paper are placed in a solvent to extract the blood. The extracted drop of blood is then used for various analytical procedures, e.g. mass spectrometry, immunoassays or molecular biology techniques.
What data is on my report?
For legal reasons, we cannot provide findings with personal data (name, address, etc.).
Although we record your master data when you create a DoctorBox account, we do not pass it on to the laboratory.
In addition, we cannot prove that the sample sent in really comes from the person of the respective DoctorBox account.
Your test ID is therefore the only reference on your report.
Data protection and security
Is my health data secure?
The answer is YES.
DoctorBox has a secure and certified infrastructure. Your data is encrypted and can therefore only be accessed by you.
You can use the DoctorBox app to share health data with doctors or other service providers. You retain data sovereignty at all times and can control and regulate access rights.
Why can I only retrieve my result in the DoctorBox app?
Your test results will be available in the DoctorBox app to ensure secure transmission of your health data.
DoctorBox GmbH is ISO 27001 and ISO 9001 certified. Our technical and infrastructural security measures meet the highest standards. Your data is encrypted end-to-end and transmitted by us.
Your question was not included?
Please contact us at:
Phone: +49 30 34045468
E-Mail: heimtest@doctorbox.eu
