How can we help?
Sample Collection
You will find instructions for taking samples in the instructions for use of the test. Please note in particular: Hormone preparations can falsify the analysis result!
Therefore, take your saliva sample at the earliest 24 hours after the last intake. Cosmetics, such as skin creams, can also contain hormones and should therefore be avoided for at least 24 hours before taking the sample.
Blood Sample Collection
It may happen that not enough blood is collected. In this case, we will be happy to send you a new blood collection kit. Please contact our customer service and provide your address and the current test ID, as the existing test will be deactivated when the new kit is sent.
Here are some tips to make blood collection easier:
- Stay calm - Take the sample calmly and give yourself enough time.
- Drink plenty of fluids - Staying well-hydrated is not only healthy but also supports blood flow. It's best to drink 1.5 to 2 liters of water the day before blood collection.
- More warmth, more movement - Sometimes, boosting blood flow helps. Keep your hand under warm water for longer. You can also rotate your arm more to encourage blood flow into your hands.
- Find your best finger - Some of our customers report that certain fingers work better for blood collection. Based on experience, the middle finger of the left hand works best for most people.
- Rest your hand - Place your hand on a flat surface. This makes it easier to press the lancet onto your finger, allowing it to penetrate the tissue more effectively.
- Pull the skin back - After pricking your finger with the lancet, gently pull the skin back. This helps open the wound slightly more.
- Massage the finger properly - Avoid pressing too hard on the fingertip. Instead, gently massage from the palm toward the fingertip.
- Use the lancet at an angle - Apply the lancet at an angle to your finger. This helps it reach more tissue and produce more blood.
- Earlobe option - If blood collection is still unsuccessful despite all tips, you can try collecting blood from your earlobe.
Before your blood is used for the examination, our laboratory team checks the condition of the blood. If your sample is clotted, we will contact you and automatically send you a new kit so that you can collect another blood sample. How can the blood become hemolytic? There are two possibilities:
- 1. The blood transport took too long, or the blood was exposed to very high temperatures during transport (e.g. in the mailbox).
- 2. Too much pressure was applied to your finger blood during sample collection, so that the red blood cells 'burst' and the blood clotted.
In either case, we will send you a new test kit!
The lancets release so quickly that it is undetectable to the naked eye.
Prep the lancet by twisting the small blue end 180 degrees and pulling it off. Then place the lancet directly on your fingertip and press down until the lacet releases. You will find an illustrated manual in your test kit. Please contact us if you need more lancets.
Requirements for a test
After the evaluation, the results are entered and only then linked to the questionnaire in our system. The nutrition-related responses in the questionnaire are intended for our nutrition scientists, who use them to gain an initial understanding of the customer's diet and refer to them during follow-up questions or nutritional consultations. If you prefer not to answer the questions, you may provide fictitious data instead.
We do not share any data with third parties and always comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). We maintain strict internal quality management and have specialized data protection officers. Our team is fully aware of the sensitivity of your data.
Test Results And Sample Analysis Time
The analysis duration varies depending on the test. The average time until you receive your results can be found in the product description and in the email you receive once your sample has arrived at the lab.
If this timeframe has been exceeded and you still haven’t received your results, please check the following potential issues:
Have you completed the online questionnaire?
If not, you will receive an email reminder. Please log in to your user account and click on “My Tests.” If you see a note saying “Please answer questions,” make sure to complete the questionnaire fully. You can track your progress via the green progress bar.
Did you attach the sticker to your sample tube or dried blood card?
This sticker is essential — it is the only way we can match your sample once it arrives at the lab.
Did you activate your test ID before sending it in?
If your sample arrived before you activated your ID, we couldn’t assign it to your account. In this case, please contact us and let us know you activated the ID afterward.
Was your blood sample hemolytic or otherwise unprocessable?
If so, we will send you an automatic email and you can request a free replacement test.
If you can rule out all of the above, please contact us directly. We’ll be happy to check the status of your sample for you.
Order and payment
Cerascreen discount codes are generally valid for one-time use only. The terms and conditions for using the discount code can be found on our website or in the email you received.
After you have decided which products you want to order, you can view them in your shopping cart. After agreeing to the terms and conditions and privacy policy, you can proceed to checkout. There, you will have the option to enter the discount code into the designated field (see images) 
As soon as we have received the payment for your order, the shipment will be initiated immediately. Once your order has been dispatched, you will receive an email containing the tracking number.
You can also access this tracking number at any time by clicking on the “Check Order Status” button in the emails we sent you right after your purchase and again after the shipment.
If this information does not fully answer your question, please don’t hesitate to contact us again and include your order number for faster assistance.
Cancellation
Once an order has been confirmed, changes or cancellations are no longer possible. In certain cases, however, you may contact our customer service team to request a modification or cancellation, provided the order has not yet been processed or left our warehouse. Please note that even if you contact us immediately after placing your order, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to process your request before the order is shipped.
From the day your product is delivered, you have 30 days to request a return without providing a reason. A shipping fee will be applied to all returns, which varies depending on the country you are ordering from.
Unopened nutritional supplements can be returned to our warehouse. However, for safety reasons, test kits cannot be returned. Please also note that supplements marked as discounted due to a short best-before date (BBD) are excluded from exchange and refund.
Shipping
The test kit comes with a prepaid envelope or the possibility to create one depending on the test and the country you are ordering from. Please, refer to the instructions for use provided with your test kit.
In summer, we recommend that you hand in your blood sample directly at the post office so that it is not exposed to the heat in the mailbox. As a result, the blood can clot and will no longer be able to be evaluated. If your blood is clotted when it arrives at the lab, we will automatically send you a new test kit. In this case, you will be informed in advance by email.
It is not possible to send the test result by post. You can access your test result in the 'my cerascreen' section under 'User Account' on our website, or via our 'my cerascreen' app. You can view your results at any time on your PC, smartphone, or tablet.
If you have any questions about logging in, our customer service team will be happy to assist you.
The results can also be downloaded and printed if you need them in paper form.
The shipping costs for your order are as follows: £4.99 (United Kingdom), €4.99 (EU countries).
We offer free shipping for orders over £90 / €90.
The stability of the samples varies depending on the test. Each sample is checked against strict quality criteria before analysis.
If a sample cannot be evaluated, we will send you a new test kit free of charge.
The return shipment of the sample must be sent from the country where it was purchased.
The return envelopes are specifically pre-franked for this country and are therefore only suitable for shipping within this country.
If you send your sample contrary to our instructions and/or at your own expense, we cannot guarantee its timely arrival, and there is no entitlement to reimbursement of any incurred costs.
Thank you for your understanding.
Questions to the product
The diagnosis and treatment of food intolerances requires interdisciplinary thinking and a holistic approach to diagnosis and treatment. Although the trigger is food intake, the mechanisms by which the symptoms manifest themselves can vary. Various influences from a misdirected immune system, such as disturbed transport mechanisms in the body, the individual enzymatic make-up, the breakdown of messenger substances, the stress on the nervous system and the vitality of the gastrointestinal system, may interact in the case of food intolerances.
In the event of complaints in connection with food, the family doctor should be consulted first. If necessary, he or she will refer you to a specialist practice, ideally an allergological specialist. The specialist can then look at possible factors and make a diagnosis within the scope of their discipline. Doctors can refer you to a nutritionist once the diagnosis has been confirmed. In nutritional therapy, the correct way to deal with the individual diagnosis is then discussed.
If the diet-related complaints are not serious, a nutritionist or alternative practitioner can also be consulted first.
We do not recommend using the test after the expiration date, as we cannot guarantee reliable results due to possible degradation of the test materials.
Please note that when samples arrive at our lab, the sample tubes are checked for their expiration date. If the expiration date has passed, the test will be deactivated. Thank you for your understanding.
If your test kit has expired, our customer service team will be happy to assist you with the next steps. Please provide your original order number so we can look into the matter for you.
Depending on the type of test, various medications can have an influence on the test result. You will also find a note in the instructions for use for the corresponding tests.
Active substances that have an influence on the test results:
| Free oestrogen test | Oestrogen antagonists contained in |
| Bazedoxifene | Conbriza® |
| Clomiphene | Serophene® Clomid® |
| Fulvestrant | Faslodex®, generics |
| Raloxifene | Evista® |
| Tamoxifen | Nolvadex®, generics |
| Aromatase inhibitors | |
| Anastrozole | Arimidex®, generics |
| Exemestane | Aromasin®, generics |
| Letrozole | Femara®, generics |
| Artificial oestrogens | |
| Ethinyl estradiol | Contraceptive pill, contraceptive patch, contraceptive ring |
Wild herbs with phytoestrogens (secondary plant substances with an oestrogen-like structure and effect):
- Lady's mantle
- St John's wort
- Monk's pepper
- evening primrose
- Red clover
- Yarrow
Free testosterone test
| Antiandrogens | Contained in |
| Abiraterone | Zytiga® |
| Bicalutamide | Casodex®, generics |
| Cyproterone acetate | Diane®-35, Genegenericsrika |
| Enzalutamide | Xtandi® |
| Flutamide | Flucinom® |
| Nilutamide |
Natural substances:
- Royal jelly/ royal jelly
- Winter cherry/sleeping berry/ashwagandha
- Butea Superba (Plosso tree)
- Fairy flowers
- Itch bean
- Gingko
Cortisol test
| Cortisol blocker | Contained in |
| Phosphatidyl serine | Phosphatidyl serine capsules |
| Hydrocortisone | |
| Colifoam rectal foam, Ebenol, FeniHydrocort cream, Fenistil Hydrocort, Ficortril eye ointment, Hydrocortisin, Hydrogale ointments, Postericort ointment, Postericort suppositories, Cortisonum | |
| Corticosteroids | |
| Dexamethasone | In numerous medications |
| Cortisol-lowering | |
| Pasireotide | Signifor®, Signifor® LAR |
Serotonin test
| Serotonin | Contained in |
| Granisetron | Kevatril ®, Kytril ®, generics |
| Ondansetron | Zofran ® |
| 5-HT2 Antagonisten | |
| Trazodone | Trittico® / -retard |
Histamine intolerance test
| Antihistamines/ H1 receptor antagonist | Contained in |
| Azelastine | Allergodil®, Dymista® + Fluticason, generics |
| Bilastin | Bilaxten |
| Cetirizine | Zyrtec® |
| Clemastine | |
| Desloratadine | Aerius® |
| Dimentinden | Fenistil®, Feniallerg®, Vibrocil®, Otriduo® |
| Diphenhydramine | Benocten®, Nardyl Schlaf®, Fenipic®, Somnium |
| Doxylamine | Sanalepsi N® Vicks MediNait® |
| Ebastine | Ebastel® |
| Fexofenaclin | Telfast®, Telfastin Allergo 120® |
| Levocabastine | Livostina®, Livostin® |
| Levocetirizine | Xyzal® |
| Loratadine | Claritine®, Claritine® Pollen, Aerius® |
| Meclozine | Itinerol B6® |
| Terfenadine | Telfast® |
Food Allergy Test
Food Sensitivity & Allergy Test
Extensive Food Sensitivity & Allergy Test:
What to consider:
- Omalizumab (Xolair ®) is used to treat asthma und allergies and is a so called anti-IgE antibody, which works to reduce the number of IgE antibodies circulating in the blood.
- Antihistamines reduce the effect of histamine and are used to treat allergies. During an allergic reaction, there is a high concentration of Type E immunoglobulins in the blood. Therefore, it can be assumed that antihistamines have an effect on these IgE levels because they are used in case of allergies. However, there is no scientific documentation on the context.
If your medicine is not listed here and you are unsure whether it may affect the test, please ask your doctor. If this does not answer your questions please contact us at http://help.cerascreen.com
Certain tests may indeed show variations depending on the phase of your cycle, while others remain largely unaffected.
Tests Influenced by the Menstrual Cycle
Hormonal fluctuations during menstruation can impact specific test parameters, especially those related to hormone levels:
- Schilddrüsen Test (Thyroid Panel): Thyroid hormones (TSH, free T3, free T4) can vary slightly during your cycle, but these changes are usually minor and don’t affect clinical interpretation significantly.
- Freies Östrogen Test and Freies Testosteron Test: Levels of estrogen and testosterone fluctuate naturally throughout your cycle, with estrogen peaking before ovulation. Testing at different cycle days may yield varying results. For consistency, testing during the follicular phase (days 5-10) is often recommended.
- PSA Test (Prostate-Specific Antigen): Though primarily for men, in rare female cases (e.g., breast cancer monitoring), hormone fluctuations might influence levels.
- Melatonin and Serotonin Tests: While less directly linked, some women report cyclical variations related to mood and sleep cycles, possibly influencing these neurotransmitter levels.
Tests Not Significantly Affected by Menstruation
For most other cerascreen tests — including nutrient levels (Vitamin D, B12, Iron), infection markers, allergy tests, microbiome analysis, and genetic tests — the menstrual cycle phase has minimal to no impact on results.
Our tests are not suitable for minors under the age of 18. Individuals under 18 cannot activate the tests online and therefore cannot receive test results. We kindly ask that you do not perform the tests on your children.
Children and adolescents require much closer supervision and guidance when it comes to medical testing and interpreting results. The use of lancets and chemicals during testing carries some risk and would need to be closely monitored by a legal guardian. Additionally, the reference values we provide are based entirely on adult data. For children, there is a high risk that results could be misinterpreted.
We are committed to our responsibility as a provider of medical products and want to ensure that children and adolescents are not unsettled by results they cannot interpret properly. Since we cannot verify whether a minor’s legal guardians have truly consented to and are supervising the testing, we have decided to completely exclude individuals under the age of 18 from using our tests.
Every year, our laboratory has itself re-certified in a laboratory performance test. It conducts interlaboratory tests to ensure that our test results remain reliable and meaningful in the analyses within the reference ranges. The certification is carried out by INSTAND e.V. - Society for the Promotion of Quality Assurance in Medical Laboratories.
Unfortunately, there is no uniformly defined measurement procedure for some measurements in Germany. Thus, each laboratory is free to decide which method to use. For example, there are several evaluation methods for the determination of the vitamin D level that have been recognised as reliable methods in various studies and hardly differ in quality. Nevertheless, there are differences in the methods, such as the speed of the evaluation and the defined tolerance ranges. This leads, among other things, to the fact that every laboratory has a scatter in the measurement results. Unfortunately, this can lead to very different measurement results overall. Consequently, only comparisons between identical test procedures and test conditions are meaningful.
Studies show that the amount of blood lost during blood donation is too small to significantly impact nutrient levels. Therefore, even regular blood donations do not affect the results of our blood tests.
However, it may still be worthwhile to regularly monitor the levels of nutrients important for blood formation, such as vitamin B12, folic acid, and iron.
Gut Microbiome Test
Gut bacteria, intestinal fungi, and other tiny organisms make up your gut flora. Hundreds of millions of such microorganisms live in your intestines — together, they can weigh up to 1.5 kilograms! The scientific term commonly used today for gut flora is the intestinal microbiome.
The gut flora performs important functions and is closely linked to overall health throughout the body.
https://www.cerascreen.co.uk/blogs/health-portal/why-your-gut-microbiome-is-important
Diversity describes how many types of bacteria belong to your intestinal flora. Put simply, the more types of bacteria, the better. For example, scientists believe that greater diversity helps prevent disease and obesity.
With the diversity index given in the results report, you also get an idea of whether the species of bacteria in your intestine are distributed fairly evenly or whether certain species predominate.
In your gut, there are bacteria that scientists consider beneficial to health, as well as 'bad' gut bacteria. The 'good' bacteria are usually present in significantly higher numbers. However, a certain amount of 'bad' bacteria is still important for gut health.
When a so-called dysbiosis occurs, your gut flora is out of balance, and the 'bad' bacteria become predominant. The dysbiosis index can be used to determine the degree of this imbalance.
Scientists distinguish the intestinal flora according to different intestinal types, or enterotypes. Which intestinal type you belong to, depends on how you eat. Depending on the food you eat, your intestine needs different bacteria to optimally utilise the food.
There is a particularly big difference between people who eat a lot of animal fats, protein and sugar and those who eat a mainly plant-based diet. They can be divided into these two intestinal types:
B-type: In the intestines of people who eat a lot of meat and rather few vegetables, the bacterial strain Bacteroides often predominates. The intestine needs these bacteria to digest meat. Bacteroidetes can produce vitamins that are rare in meat-heavy diets, such as vitamin C.
P-type: Prevotella bacteria typically predominate in the intestines of vegetarians and vegans. They metabolise dietary fibre and other carbohydrates. In the process, they produce folic acid and healthy short-chain fatty acids, among other things.
With the results report, you receive measurement results for all intestinal bacteria in your intestinal microbiome.
This includes the upper categories of bacterial phyla, i.e. the four strains Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Protobacteria and Actinobacteria.
You will also learn which functional bacteria have been detected - these include bacteria that contribute to the structure of the intestinal mucosa and those that are potentially pathogenic.
You will then receive a list of all the bacteria in your sample, including the different species and genera within the strains.
For the gut flora test, you collect a small stool sample yourself at home. To do this, you use a stool collection aid and a sampling spoon, both of which are included in the test kit. You then send the sample back to us in a sample tube.
The specialized laboratory uses modern biotechnology to analyze the DNA of the gut bacteria contained in the sample and compares it with the gene sequences of known bacteria. The evaluation can take up to three weeks.
Important: You should not perform the gut flora test if you are experiencing diarrhea or suffering from an acute gastrointestinal infection.
The result report of the gut flora test describes how you can contribute to a healthy and balanced gut flora in everyday life. Probably the most important role is played by your diet.
A varied diet also feeds different intestinal bacteria and can thus contribute to a diverse intestinal flora. Fibre, secondary plant compounds as well as probiotics and prebiotics are also generally positive for your intestinal health.
A conscious lifestyle also has a positive effect—for example, through regular exercise and a healthy body weight.
You can collect the stool sample easily, comfortably, and discreetly at home. The test kit includes a detailed, illustrated instruction manual that clearly explains each step. There are a few important things to keep in mind:
You should place a bean-sized amount of stool into the sample tube. This corresponds to 3 to 4 small scoops using the spoon attached to the lid of the sample tube. If the sample is slightly larger, that’s not a problem.
The sample tube contains a DNA stabilizing liquid that mixes with the stool sample and ensures the sample remains stable during shipping. The stool does not need to fully dissolve in the liquid — it’s sufficient if the sample and liquid mix together.
Avoid direct contact with the stabilizing liquid. It may irritate the skin, and especially the eyes.
The results report contains your personal gut flora profile, giving you a detailed insight into the composition of the bacteria that inhabit your gut. In addition, the report compares your test results with data from a healthy reference group.
You will receive measurements in the following areas:
- 1. Species richness and diversity index: How diverse is the bacterial population in your gut?
- 2. Dysbiosis index: Is there an imbalance between 'good' and 'bad' gut bacteria?
- 3. Enterotype (gut type): Does your gut flora resemble that of a meat-eater or a vegetarian?
- 4. Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes and Prevotella/Bacteroides ratios: Could your gut flora be contributing to rapid weight gain?
- 5. Composition of bacterial phyla: How are the four main phyla — Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria — distributed in your gut?
- 6. Overview of all bacteria: Which functional bacteria, species, and genera are present within the bacterial phyla?
Vitamin B12
For valid test results, supplementation with vitamin B12 at doses of 500 micrograms or more should be discontinued at least one week before testing. High doses of vitamin B12 can influence the test results.
After a vitamin B12 injection, a waiting period of four weeks is required before performing the test to avoid skewed results.
Histamine Intolerance
Histamine is a breakdown product of the amino acid (protein building block) histidine. It acts in the body as a messenger substance to influence important processes in defence reactions of the immune system, the control of gastric juice production, the motility (active movement) of the stomach and intestines, the influence of heart rate and vascular tension (tone), the regulation of the sleep-wake rhythm and body temperature.
The effect of histamine is local, meaning it is always released where the effect is desired. To keep this reaction under control, histamine must be inactivated again very quickly. The enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO) is responsible for this.
For the determination of diamine oxidase in the blood from home we recommend our Histamine Intolerance Test Kit.
Histamine intolerance is caused by an imbalance between histamine production and breakdown, which can have various underlying causes. Increased histamine production may result from allergic reactions, bacterial overgrowth in the gut, or external sources through diet. On the other hand, reduced histamine breakdown is often due to a deficiency of the enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO), which is responsible for breaking down histamine in the gut.
This DAO deficiency can, in turn, be caused by chronic intestinal diseases that lead to inflammation and damage to the intestinal lining. In addition, nutrient deficiencies — particularly of vitamin B6 — can impair DAO activity. Certain medications may also affect histamine release or its breakdown.
Enzymes in the body, including diamine oxidase (DAO), are subject to a natural degradation process. Following a low-histamine diet before taking a DAO test can lead to reduced enzyme activity. As a result, the test may produce a false positive — indicating low DAO activity even though your body’s actual ability to break down histamine may be normal.
We recommend maintaining a varied diet for at least 2 weeks prior to testing in order to obtain a meaningful result. During this period, you should avoid following a low- or histamine-free diet, so that we can accurately detect any potential histamine intolerance.
Although modern antihistamines like cetirizine do not directly inhibit diamine oxidase (DAO) but rather block histamine release, they can still affect histamine processing and metabolism. As a result, they may slightly distort the outcome of a DAO test.
A break from antihistamine use for at least one week — while maintaining a normal, non-low-histamine diet — is therefore ideal. However, do not stop taking any medications without first consulting your doctor.
DAOsin contains the enzyme diamine oxidase. Taking it can temporarily increase the measured DAO activity in the blood, potentially leading to inaccurate test results. Please also discontinue its use before sample collection.
Vitamin D
In winter, most people in Central and Northern Europe have lower vitamin D levels. Due to limited sunlight exposure, our bodies can hardly produce any vitamin D. Therefore, supplementation is often helpful during this time.
However, many people also have insufficient vitamin D levels in summer. This is partly due to the large amount of time we spend indoors and the use of sunscreen, which blocks UV rays from reaching the skin. For some individuals, supplements may also be useful during the summer. The best approach is to find out your current vitamin D status—through a test, for example—and base any supplementation on that information.
Vitamin D deficiency is widespread in the Western world. In Germany, a study by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture found that 82% of men and 91% of women consume too little vitamin D. According to the Robert Koch Institute, 30% of the population is even insufficiently supplied with the so-called sunshine vitamin. Why is that? Many people simply don’t get enough daylight. In addition, the sun’s rays in our latitudes are too weak to sustainably replenish our vitamin D stores.
A vitamin D deficiency can cause symptoms such as fatigue, digestive issues, and headaches. In the long term, a deficiency can harm your health, increasing the risk of bone fractures and osteoporosis. Scientific studies have also shown that people with conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, and high blood pressure often also have a vitamin D deficiency. Researchers suspect that insufficient vitamin D could contribute to an increased risk of these diseases.
Therefore, for most people in Central and Northern Europe, it is worthwhile to check their vitamin D levels and optimize them if necessary.
To accurately determine a vitamin D level above 150 ng/ml in a blood sample, the sample must be diluted. This dilution involves mixing the blood sample with a specific amount of solvent in order to reduce the concentration of vitamin D to a level that falls within the measurable range of the analysis device.
Typically, several dilution steps are carried out to bring the vitamin D level into a measurable range. However, repeated dilutions can lead to unavoidable measurement errors that may affect the accuracy of the results.
Additionally, every analysis device has a certain detection limit, below or above which it cannot measure vitamin D levels accurately. Even after multiple dilution steps, the vitamin D level may still exceed this detection limit and thus cannot be measured precisely. In such cases, our laboratory will report the value to you as >150 ng/ml.
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin. This is beneficial, as the body requires this vitamin continuously, and fat stores act as a buffer.
In cases of extreme overdose—i.e., blood concentrations above 150 ng/ml—effects such as dizziness, vomiting, muscle weakness, diarrhea, and possibly long-term issues like stomach ulcers can occur.
It is therefore advisable to consult your doctor(s) before taking high-dose vitamin D supplements to clarify any potential risks.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommends a safe upper intake level of 4,000 IU of vitamin D per day from all sources for adults (including pregnant and breastfeeding individuals).
To avoid elevated levels, it is advisable to monitor your vitamin D levels regularly.
In general, the supplement does not need to be discontinued. However, a short-term high dose of vitamin D can lead to a temporarily elevated vitamin D level in the blood. This may give a distorted picture of your actual long-term vitamin D status.
Therefore, if you are taking high-dose vitamin D, we recommend waiting a few days after the last dose before taking your blood sample.
In any case, please be sure to indicate the use of supplements in your online questionnaire.
Hormone Tests
Please store the samples in the freezer, as this makes handling them in the lab easier. After thawing and centrifuging, the mucus (viscous secretion from the oral mucosa) can be more easily separated.
This is important because for reproducible results, only the clear, watery supernatant should be pipetted onto the testing plate.
Yes, you can take the cortisol test even if you work shifts. However, it’s important to note that the reference ranges for salivary cortisol are based on a typical day-night rhythm. For shift workers — especially during the first few days of a night shift — these reference ranges may therefore be only partially meaningful.
To obtain reliable results when working night shifts, we recommend taking the test after 2–3 days, to give your body time to adjust to the altered rhythm.
Lactose, fructose and sorbitol
Please note the following instructions before performing the test. These are also included in the instructions for the test:
- The day before the sample is taken (from 24h before)you should not ingest any flatulent or high fiber foods (beans, lentils, cabbage, peas, whole grain products, etc.).
- Foods containing fructose (fruit sugar), lactose (milk sugar) or sorbitol should also be avoided.
- You should not eat anything 12h before the sample is taken.
- The test must be performed on an empty stomach!
- You should not smoke at least one hour before the test.
- If you have recently taken antibiotics or drugs to treat constipation, this may affect the result.
- Please drink only a little water during the sample collection.
Enclosed are a few tips for you on what you can definitely eat before the breath tests:
- Grilled/roasted fish, turkey or grilled/roasted chicken.
- Plain steamed white rice
- Eggs
- Clear chicken or beef broth
- White bread
The results of your hydrogen and methane breath test, showing a 0 ppm difference across all time intervals, are not an indication of an incorrect result. Rather, they are entirely realistic if no fructose intolerance is present.
If your body is able to fully metabolize the fructose, this means it is efficiently absorbed in the small intestine and does not reach the colon, where it could otherwise be fermented by bacteria. In this case, no significant amounts of hydrogen or methane are produced, which is reflected in the measured differences.
Please also note that we measure differences, not absolute values. A difference of 0 ppm does not mean that no hydrogen or methane was produced at all.
Mineral Test
Food Allergies & Sensitivities
The Food Reaction Test includes two tests and examines the blood for the presence of IgE and IgG4 antibodies. You can find out exactly which foods are tested here or on our website.
It is not possible to replace the individual foods with others. https://cerascreen.my.site.com/support/s/article/What-is-tested-during-the-Food-Reaction-Test?language=en_US
Lactose intolerance is a digestive disorder in which the body does not produce enough lactase, an enzyme that breaks down lactose (milk sugar). This leads to digestive issues such as bloating and diarrhea. Fructose intolerance is also a digestive disorder, where the body cannot properly absorb fructose (fruit sugar) due to a defect in a fructose transporter. This also results in digestive problems.
Celiac disease, on the other hand, is an autoimmune disorder. Gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine. This impairs nutrient absorption and can lead to a wide range of symptoms.
These conditions should be distinguished from immune-mediated reactions. IgE tests measure the amount of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in the blood. IgE antibodies are involved in immediate-type allergies, where symptoms occur quickly after contact with an allergen.
IgG4 tests measure immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) antibodies. These antibodies are a natural response of the body when exposed to components of food. According to current scientific understanding, IgG4 antibodies indicate that you have frequently consumed a certain food and that your body may have developed immune tolerance to it.
Please note that a meaningful result can only be obtained if you eat a varied diet beforehand (approx. 2 weeks).
Intolerances or allergies can only be detected if you have eaten the relevant foods beforehand. If you have not eaten these foods for a period of 3 months, it may well be that an intolerance can no longer be detected.
Immunoglobulin E (IgE) and Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) are two types of antibodies. They are part of your immune system's defense mechanisms. Both IgE and IgG4 represent groups of specific antibodies—meaning they are specialized in responding to very specific foreign substances.
In the case of an allergy, specific IgE antibodies are overly present in the body. They trigger a malfunction in the immune system when harmless proteins—such as those from pollen, animal hair, or certain foods—enter the body. This causes the release of the chemical messenger histamine, which leads to inflammation and typical allergy symptoms.
The immune system also produces IgG4 antibodies in response to specific foods. According to current scientific knowledge, these IgG4 antibodies represent a natural reaction when the body encounters components of certain foods. Their presence can indicate that you have frequently consumed a particular food and that your body may have developed a level of immune tolerance.
Comprehensive Allergy Test
What is tested?
IgE antibodies against a broad range of food and environmental allergens:
- Animal Dander: Cat, horse, dog
- Pollen: Various tree, grass, and weed pollens
- Arachnids: House dust mites, storage mites, cockroaches
- Vegetables: Tomato, carrot, potato
- Fruit: Banana, orange, strawberry, apple, pineapple, lemon
- Animal Products: Egg (white and yolk), milk (cow’s milk, casein, cheddar, goat), fish (cod, salmon, tuna, shrimp, mussel, sardine), meat (beef, chicken, pork)
- Grains: Wheat, barley, oats, corn, rice, rye flour, gluten
- Nuts, Seeds, Legumes: Walnut, hazelnut, almond, peanut, soy
- Other: Baker’s yeast, chocolate, latex, mold
Food Allergy Test
What is tested?
IgE antibodies against a selection of common food allergens:
- Vegetables: Carrot, tomato, potato
- Fruit: Banana, orange, strawberry, apple, pineapple, lemon
- Egg & Dairy Products: Egg white, egg yolk, ovalbumin, ovomucoid, cow’s milk, casein, alpha-lactalbumin, beta-lactoglobulin, cheddar, goat’s milk, goat cheese
- Meat: Beef, chicken, pork
- Fish & Seafood: Shrimp, cod, tuna, salmon, mussel, sardine
- Nuts & Seeds: Hazelnut, almond, walnut
- Legumes: Soy, peanut
- Grains & Potatoes: Wheat, barley, oats, rice, corn, rye flour, gluten
- Other: Baker’s yeast, brewer’s yeast, chocolate
Food Reaction Test
What is tested?
Both IgE and IgG4 antibodies against selected foods:
IgE:
- Vegetables: Carrot, tomato, celery, potato
- Fruit: Apple, strawberry, kiwi, peach, orange
- Egg & Dairy Products: Egg white, cow’s milk
- Meat: Mixed meat (beef, pork, chicken, lamb)
- Fish: Cod, shrimp, crab, salmon
- Nuts, Seeds & Legumes: Peanut, hazelnut, almond, soy
- Grains: Wheat, rice
- Other: Mustard, ginger
IgG4:
- Vegetables: Carrot, tomato, celery, potato, onion
- Fruit: Apple, banana, strawberry, kiwi, peach, orange
- Egg & Dairy Products: Cow’s milk, casein, egg white, egg yolk
- Meat: Beef, pork, chicken, lamb, turkey
- Fish: Cod, shrimp
- Nuts, Seeds & Legumes: Peanut, hazelnut, almond, walnut, soy
- Grains: Wheat, rye, oats, spelt, rice, gluten
- Other: Mustard, coffee, baker’s yeast, sesame, black pepper
If you need assistance choosing the right test, our customer service team is happy to help.
The Food Allergy Test uses the classical laboratory method for allergy testing, also commonly used by physicians — the detection of specific IgE antibodies. This test measures sensitization to certain foods, which is an important indicator of true food allergies.
The Food Reaction Test, in addition to measuring IgE antibodies, also tests for IgG4 antibodies. The body forms specific IgG4 antibodies in response to exposure to certain foods. This can indicate that the immune system has interacted with the food substance. However, the scientific community is still researching the exact implications of elevated IgG4 levels.
The Food Reaction Test report includes guidance on how to conduct a short-term elimination diet based on both IgE and IgG4 test results. This approach can help you investigate which foods you may not tolerate well.
For a meaningful analysis, it is important that you have had contact with the allergens to be tested in the weeks prior to sample collection. Since the analysis requires your body’s reaction in the form of antibodies, we recommend the following:
Food allergens: Regular consumption of the foods to be tested for at least two weeks before conducting the test is essential to ensure a valid measurement.
Animal and environmental allergens: It is necessary that you have been in contact with the respective animal or environmental allergen within the last two weeks. Only then can the relevant antibodies form in sufficient quantities.
Therefore, please avoid avoiding the tested allergens before the test. The only exception is if you already have a known and severe allergy to a specific allergen. In this case, please discuss the further procedure with your attending physician.
With a food allergy, your immune system is directed against your own body. The immune cells regard harmless proteins as a danger. Symptoms usually occur immediately and can also affect the skin and respiratory tract.
Food intolerances are disorders in the intestines. Enzymes, for example, are often missing: your body cannot properly utilise certain food components. The reactions are often delayed and primarily affect the gastrointestinal tract.
Intolerance is usually used as a synonym for intolerance, especially in English-speaking science. The term is particularly common for intolerances to lactose and sorbitol.
For the analysis of our allergy tests, in addition to the parameters relevant to the purchased test, further measurement data are collected for procedural reasons. These data are stored pseudonymized in the laboratory but are not subject to any further evaluation.
The processing of this data is therefore carried out solely for the purpose of analyzing your purchased test. For a successful analysis, we require your consent regarding the measurement of this data and must inform you accordingly. That is why you have received the mentioned notice.
This is done on the legal basis of explicit consent according to Article 9(2)(a) of the GDPR.
A food allergy occurs when your immune system reacts against your own body. The defense cells mistakenly identify harmless proteins as threats. Symptoms usually appear immediately and can also affect the skin and respiratory tract.
Food intolerances are disorders related to the digestive system. Often, enzymes are missing, for example, so your body cannot properly process certain food components. The reactions are often delayed and primarily affect the gastrointestinal tract.
The term intolerance is mostly used synonymously with sensitivity, especially in English-language scientific literature. It is particularly common for intolerances to lactose and sorbitol.
Homocysteine
Homocysteine levels can indeed be influenced by certain medications.
Medications that may increase the concentration of the amino acid homocysteine include: methotrexate, anticonvulsants, nitrous oxide, metformin, niacin, azuridine, and cyclosporin A.
If elevated homocysteine levels are detected and you are taking one of the listed medications, please consult your doctor for further evaluation.
Medications that may lower homocysteine concentrations include: betaine, tamoxifen, mesna (2-mercaptoethanesulfonate sodium, also known as uromitexan), D-penicillamine, and N-acetylcysteine.
Omega 3
The omega-3 test determines not only the omega-3 index but also the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids in the membranes of erythrocytes (red blood cells). These cells change their fatty acid composition very slowly, and it takes about 8–12 weeks for a measurable effect from supplements to become apparent. Therefore, you can continue taking your omega-3 supplements as usual and do not need to pause them.
However, if you want the omega-3 index and the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio to reflect only the impact of your everyday diet and not that of supplements, you would need to stop taking them at least three months prior to the test.
Please note that this test must be performed on an empty stomach, meaning you should not eat anything for at least 12 hours beforehand.
Many people have an omega-3 deficiency or an imbalanced omega-6 to omega-3 ratio because they consume too few omega-3-rich foods such as fatty fish, while eating a lot of processed foods and omega-6-rich vegetable oils. This modern diet leads to lower omega-3 intake and excessive omega-6 intake, which increases the ratio.
At-risk groups include people who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, older adults, pregnant women, and generally those who do not eat fish.
The HS-Omega-3 Index is determined in red blood cells using a specialized and specific analytical method. It reflects the proportion of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in important organs, such as the heart.
Therefore, unlike the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, this value cannot be calculated manually.
The Omega-3 test primarily provides insight into your long-term fat profile, especially since the test is conducted after a fasting period of at least 12 hours.
The test determines, among other things, the Omega-3 Index and the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids in the membrane of your red blood cells (erythrocytes). These cells renew their fatty acid composition only slowly, so the results reflect the influence of your diet over a longer period of time.
If you maintain a consistent and similar diet over an extended period, the percentage of other fatty acids examined in your blood lipid profile is more likely to reflect your general dietary habits than just the immediate effects of a single meal.
The body has mechanisms to regulate the concentrations of fatty acids in the blood. This means it can store or release fatty acids depending on need. Therefore, your blood lipid analysis results are also influenced by factors such as your long-term diet, lifestyle, and even your genetics.
Aminoacid
The time it takes for supplementation of certain amino acids to be reflected in the amino acid profile mainly depends on the dosage taken and whether the amino acid is essential or non-essential.
Of course, bioavailability and intestinal absorption also play a role, but since supplementation generally provides much higher bioavailability than amino acids from food, this factor can be considered negligible when assessing the timeframe.
Essential amino acids, which the body cannot produce itself and must be obtained through food or supplements, usually enter the bloodstream faster because they are directly needed for various processes. Therefore, initial changes can already be visible in the amino acid profile within 48 hours after taking a higher dose that exceeds the daily basic requirement.
Non-essential amino acids, on the other hand, can be synthesized by the body itself, meaning their blood concentration depends less on external intake. Changes thus appear more slowly, usually only after several days or even weeks. This varies depending on the existing supply in the blood.
We therefore recommend, even when taking high doses, to perform the test 2-3 weeks after starting supplementation to obtain a meaningful overview of its effect.
Stomach acid-reducing medications, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 blockers, can indeed affect the accuracy of your amino acid test results.
These medications reduce stomach acid production, which can impact the breakdown and absorption of amino acids from dietary proteins, since an acidic pH in the stomach is essential for this process. Therefore, the levels of certain amino acids in your blood may be lower than usual if you are taking such medications.
To achieve the most accurate and reliable results, it is generally recommended to discontinue the use of stomach acid-reducing medications at least 1-2 weeks before conducting the amino acid test. This allows enough time for your amino acid levels to stabilize again.
Ferritin
Heavy Metals
How meaningful is the measurement of aluminum in urine?It has been proven that aluminum can be detected through urine samples. An example of this is a recent statement by the BfR (Federal Institute for Risk Assessment). In this study, aluminum concentrations measured in urine and blood are cited.
You can find the study here for further reading:
BfR Study on Aluminum Detection
Thank you for trusting our tests.
Generally, it is true that the accuracy of a heavy metal test can be improved by performing a provocation (challenge) test. However, such provocation tests can carry health risks, especially for individuals with impaired kidney function, other pre-existing conditions, or those taking certain medications. Additionally, the use of provocative agents can cause unwanted side effects in some people. Therefore, provocation tests should only be conducted under medical supervision.
Moreover, a provocation test for heavy metals in urine is not necessary because heavy metal exposure can already be detected through a simple urine analysis. Our test provides sufficient information to assess the presence of heavy metals in the body.
For these reasons, no provocation (challenge) is performed prior to our self-test.
If you are currently taking silicon as a dietary supplement, it can indeed influence your test result.
There is some evidence from recent studies that silicon intake may promote the excretion of aluminum. It is believed that silicon has the ability to bind aluminum in the body and thus facilitate its elimination.
However, it is important to note that the exact mechanism and effects of silicon intake on aluminum excretion have not yet been fully clarified in research. Furthermore, individual differences in the absorption and metabolism of silicon and aluminum may also play a role in influencing your test result.
The heavy metal urine test shows how much of certain metals (e.g. lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic) your body is currently excreting. If you are taking chelating agents, this can of course increase the excretion rate.
The test is not designed to assess the body’s total chronic burden of heavy metals. Since heavy metals are often stored in body tissues, evaluating chronic exposure would require a tissue sample or a special provocation test carried out under medical supervision.
Instead, this test aims to determine whether there is an acute exposure, which could point to a current source of contamination in your daily environment. For instance, you might be regularly exposed to heavy metals through contaminated food, water, air, or materials in your surroundings.
The urine test can help identify such sources and provides a snapshot of your current exposure.
Heavy metals are present in varying concentrations in many foods. However, a high intake of rice and fish in the days leading up to sample collection can lead to significantly elevated arsenic levels.
For this reason, we recommend avoiding the consumption of larger amounts of rice and fish before performing the test to ensure a meaningful and reliable result.
DNA Tests
The idea that people can be categorized into “carbohydrate types” or similar groups is now considered outdated. This theory was based on the notion that individual differences in metabolism and response to carbohydrates required a specific diet tailored to one’s “type.”
However, current scientific research has shown that the body’s response to carbohydrates depends on a wide range of factors, including genetic predispositions, lifestyle, physical activity, and overall dietary habits.
Therefore, our report does not provide any classification of this kind.
For the DNA Metabolism Test, the laboratory analyzes variations in six genes. The interaction of these variations forms the basis for the insights into your metabolism.
The genes analyzed are: FTO, PPARG, APOA2, APOA5, LEPR, and ACTN3.
The specific SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) are listed in the corresponding test reports, which also contain many additional background details and contextual explanations of your results.
Our DNA Vitamin Metabolism Test provides insights into your genetic predispositions regarding the need for six nutrient groups, based on the analysis of 26 genes. For each group, you'll receive an interpretation indicating whether your gene variants suggest a “normal” or “increased” need.
The following genes are analyzed:
CDH13, CHDS8, APOA5, PON1, SOD2, GPX1, TCF7L2, HIGD1C, KCNJ11, HTRA1, CFH, LOC387715, IL6, TNF-Alpha, COL1A1, MTHFR, VDR, LCT, HFE, APOB, AGT, PPARG, FTO.
The specific SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) can be found in your individual test report, which also includes extensive background information and contextual interpretation of your results.
Based on the analysis of 13 genes, the DNA Heart Health Test provides insights into six genetic traits related to your cardiovascular health. For each trait, you'll receive an interpretation indicating whether your gene variants suggest a “normal” or “increased” predisposition.
The following genes are analyzed:
CDH13, CHDS8, APOA5, PON1, APOB, MTHFR, AGT, SOD2, GPX1, IL6, PPARG, FTO.
The detailed SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) are listed in your personalized test report, which also includes further background information and interpretation of your genetic results.
The DNA Skin Health Test examines specific variants of four genes to determine which factors may contribute to accelerated skin aging and skin-related issues in your case.
The genes analyzed are: SOD2, IL6, TNF-Alpha, and IRF4.
The specific SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) are listed in your individual results report, which also includes further background information and interpretations of your test results.
The DNA Fitness Test uses modern biotechnology to examine specific variants of five genes to determine which sports and nutrition are best suited for your fitness. It also provides insights on how to optimize bone and muscle strength and reduce the risk of injuries.
The genes analyzed are: SOD2, COL1A1, VDR, ADRB3, and ACTN3.
The specific SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) are detailed in your individual results report, which also contains further background information and interpretations of your test results.
You have the option to purchase one of the 5 standard DNA tests as a physical test at the regular price and then obtain additional DNA tests as digital add-on packages at a heavily discounted price if you are interested in several of the listed genes.
After purchase, you will receive the test ID for the add-on package by email, which you will then need to activate in your Mycerascreen user account.
More information can be found here: DNA Add-on Packages
We are happy to give you an insight into the method used. Please note that some details are considered trade secrets and therefore cannot be described in detail.
First, some general background information on DNA analysis: If you already have expertise in this area, you may skip this section.
To understand how our DNA tests work, it is important to know how our DNA and genes function. We all have DNA that is almost identical. Differences can be found only in a small portion of the DNA. DNA is divided into genes and non-coding regions. For our DNA tests, only the gene regions are relevant. Our genes are translated into proteins, a complex process called protein biosynthesis. These proteins determine how certain processes occur in our body, such as hormone production or eye color determination.
Our DNA (and thus the genes) consists of four bases (adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine). The sequence of these bases forms our genetic code. This sequence also determines the structure and amino acid composition of our proteins. DNA consists of a double strand, where one strand is the reverse complement of the other. The two strands are connected by base pairing: adenine pairs with thymine, guanine pairs with cytosine.
If we compared the genetic code of the first humans to ours, they wouldn’t be exactly the same. Mutations can change certain parts of the DNA. For our tests, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are relevant. Various studies have shown that SNPs in certain genes affect how those genes function. We use this fact in our test to analyze the genes of interest.
For the test, your DNA is extracted from a saliva sample. Using specific short DNA strands called primers, the DNA is amplified. SNPs weaken the binding at specific points in the DNA double strand, allowing these bonds to be broken. This creates many short DNA fragments, forming an SNP library.
In most cases, analysis is then done via mass spectrometry, which measures the individual gene fragments. Using existing genetic databases, a precise analysis of the individual genes can be performed through various bioinformatics analyses.
If you have further questions, please feel free to contact our customer service.
Questions about the user account
When logging in with a computer:
On the www.cerascreen.co.uk website, you will find the 'Login' button in the top right-hand corner. If you click on it, there are two different areas for user accounts. If you go to 'My tests', you will be taken to your my.cerascreen user account, which you can use to activate your test and view results. To create a customer account, click on the 'Create new account' button. To be forwarded directly to this page, please click here and enter your email, choose your password and agree to the terms of service. You will then receive a confirmation email. After confirming your account you can log in.
When registering with a smartphone and tablet:
To register with a smartphone, download the Cerascreen app from the Appstore or Google Play Store and click on 'Register'.
First of all, please make sure that you have set up a user account with us. If you have forgotten your password, you can request a new password. To do this, go to your user account on our website in the “my cerascreen” area. Below the password field you will find the “Forgot password” button.
If you click on the button, you can enter the e-mail address with which you registered with us, and you will automatically receive a new password for this e-mail account. If this does not solve your problem, please contact us.
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After successfully registering your user account, log in to the app or at my.cerascreen using your login details.
Activation in the app:
Click either on 'Already have a test?' in your health dashboard or on the orange plus symbol under 'My Tests'. Then enter your test ID and click on 'Activate test now'. Next, complete the questionnaire.
Activation in the web version:
Enter the test ID into the middle field titled 'Activate test' and then click on 'To the questions'. Next, complete the questionnaire.
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